Tires started sliding around 6 p.m. Thursday; the sound of crashing cars began shortly afterward.

Slippery, snowy roads — brought about by the first measurable precipitation of the month — caused trouble for drivers Thursday night. Law enforcement officials estimated there were more than a dozen weather-related wrecks, and a man was admitted to Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a two-car collision about 6:30 p.m. at 23rd and Iowa streets.

The 46-year-old Lawrence resident was riding in a 1989 Mitsubishi that was turning left across northbound traffic when it collided with a 1993 Dodge headed north on Iowa. He was listed in fair condition at LMH.

While Lawrence Police were on the scene of that wreck, they responded to two others near the same intersection, Lt. Steve Zarnowiec said.

The National Weather Service reported 1 inch of snow in Lawrence at 9 p.m. By 10 p.m., the precipitation had tapered off with the resulting blanket less than the 2 to 3 inches of snow that had been predicted.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office worked about five weather-related wrecks after 6 p.m. More than one of those happened on U.S. Highway 40, Sgt. Wes Houk said.