CRIPPLING BLIZZARD IMMINENT

8:15PM UPDATE

School has been canceled for the major Johnson County districts: Blue Valley USD 229, Olathe School District USD 233, and Shawnee Mission School District USD 512.

7:30PM UPDATE

The latest data from the NWS suggests that the heaviest snowfall will likely occur in areas of 'thundersnow' where thunderstorms occur and produce snowfall rates close to or exceeding 4" per hour, which is truly a meteorological anomaly.

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An unprecedented winter storm, the likes of which Kansas City hasn't seen in decades, will start impacting the region late tonight, with blizzard conditions forecast for much of the day tomorrow. Multiple warnings and advisories are in effect for the entire region, and the map below depicts these warnings by county: (after the break I'll explain what this means)The light pink color indicates counties that are under a WINTER STORM WARNING until 6AM Wednesday. A WINTER STORM WARNING means that a potentially dangerous and life-threatening winter storm is imminent or occurring with the potential for ice, sleet, and snow. While minor ice accumulations are possible, the most significant risk is for heavy snow.

The dark red color indicates countries that are under a BLIZZARD WARNING until 6AM Wednesday. A BLIZZARD WARNING means that a crippling heavy snow event coupled with very strong winds (35MPH+) is imminent or occurring with little or no visibility making travel nearly, if not entirely, impossible.

Since I know this is on everyone's minds... my updated snowfall map is posted below. The large blue area that covers the KC metro area is split with a dotted line going down the middle, with snowfall totals forecast between 10" - 14" to the west of that line and 14" - 18" to the east of that line. The area forecast to receive 18" or more of snow could see up to 26" in some areas. Regardless of where you're located in this snowfall map, the strong winds will produce drifts up to five or six feet deep in many areas.So what are the expected impacts of this winter storm? Aside from travel being relatively impossible for most of the day tomorrow and possibly on Wednesday, widespread power outages as a result of the strong winds are likely across the region. Make sure to check on elderly neighbors to make sure they are able to get out of their house should the snow be high enough, and to ensure that they are comfortable should they lose power and with it, heat. Stock up on food and blankets tonight and prepare for a few days without power at the worst. Travel is not recommended under any circumstances tomorrow.

I'll update as more information becomes available.