The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is advising motorists across Kansas to be aware that another major winter storm is developing in western states and could affect travel in parts of Kansas beginning Thursday, Dec. 28.

Be prepared before traveling and find out the latest Kansas weather-related road conditions by calling 511 from anywhere in Kansas, or 1-866-511-KDOT (5368) from anywhere in the U.S. The same information is available through KDOT’s Web site, www.ksdot.org – click on “Road Conditions” under the 511 logo. State and regional maps can be seen with written information available by clicking on Text Reports.

“It may be necessary to close Kansas roads because of adverse conditions in Colorado or because of no vacant hotel rooms for motorists to seek shelter, as well as for blizzard conditions in our state,” said KDOT Northwest District Engineer Chriss McDiffett. “KDOT and the Kansas Highway Patrol work together monitoring adverse road conditions in Kansas and surrounding states to help the traveling public.”

KDOT uses portable variable message boards in central and eastern Kansas to alert motorists of road closures. “These boards help alert motorists so they can make alternate plans before reaching the inclement weather areas,” McDiffett said.

According to the National Weather Service, a major storm is developing over the western part of the U.S. The storm has the potential of producing heavy snowfall over northeastern and north central Colorado Thursday and Friday. Snow is also possible in western Kansas starting Thursday night. Strong winds are possible which could produce widespread blowing and drifting snow. The National Weather Service predicts the storm could continue into the weekend.

If you are traveling and need roadside assistance, cellular phone users can call 582 for assistance on the Kansas Turnpike Authority and 47 for assistance on all other highway routes.

For Colorado road condition information, call 303-639-1111 or go to the Web site, www.cotrip.org.