Douglas County escaped the brunt of a winter storm that socked parts of Kansas with more than a foot of snow Sunday, but another storm is on the way.

More snow is expected Wednesday and Thursday, said 6News forecaster Ross Janssen. Bitterly cold temperatures also are expected to linger through the week.

Lawrence’s snowfall was 2 inches, bringing the total for the winter up to 12 inches. The average winter snowfall total for Lawrence is 17 inches.

“We are still in a drought,” Janssen said. “I definitely think, however, we’re going to see some more snow coming our way.”

Janssen said it was too early to predict how much would fall in the storm now heading for Kansas.

Sunday’s storm also brought frigid temperatures, with this morning’s low expected to drop below zero. Temperatures may not climb above freezing until Thursday or Friday, forecasters said.

Schools and businesses closed Monday in southwestern Kansas, where from 6 to 15 inches of snow fell Sunday. The Kansas Highway Patrol blamed weather conditions for four traffic deaths.

Wichita had 10 inches of snow, making it the ninth-heaviest storm since the city started keeping records in 1888.

The snow was less bothersome to Douglas County residents, although the Eudora and Baldwin school districts canceled Monday classes.

Rachel Neal, 11, tips over near her home east of Linwood. Rachel, a fifth-grader at Linwood School, was sledding Monday with her dog, Simpson. The snow won't be melting in the next few days as bitterly cold temperatures are expected to continue. For more weather, see page 6B.

As the snow started falling about noon Sunday, vehicles slid off roadways and into each other as area law enforcement agencies stayed busy responding to traffic accidents.

Douglas County Sheriff’s officers were called to a seven-vehicle pileup about 5 p.m. in one of the westbound lanes of Kansas Highway 10. No one was injured.

Only one serious accident was reported in Douglas County, on U.S. Highway 56 just west of Baldwin. Kari Bitler, 26, Shawnee, was injured when the Chevrolet Blazer she was driving left the highway and overturned. She was taken to KU Med, Kansas City, Kan., and was in fair condition Monday, hospital officials said.

Lawrence and Douglas County public works crews worked Sunday and Monday to treat and clear roads.

¢ 6News video: Winter storm brings cancellations, accidents¢ Latest forecast

“Everything looked like it was drying up pretty well,” Douglas County Engineer Keith Browning said.

Lawrence Public Works Director Chuck Soules agreed, and he said his crews were watching to see what the next storm might bring.