Lawrence should miss the brunt of a winter storm headed toward southeast Kansas today.

Thanks to the bitter cold and dry arctic air in the area, Lawrence may see only one inch accumulation of light sleet and snow beginning after 9 a.m. that will continue through the afternoon, according to Jennifer Schack, 6News chief meteorologist.

“It should stay fairly light for us,” she said.

However, precipitation is expected to turn to all snow beginning tonight and into Friday.

The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for east central to northeast Kansas that will last through this evening, due to the sleet and snow. Today’s high is expected to reach only 22 degrees with east and northeast winds gusting at 5 to 12 mph. The overnight low should dip to 8 degrees.

While today’s early-morning commute should be clear, Schack warned the precipitation will cover roads quickly later in the morning and may cause slick spots.

“It’s going to be tough to treat the roads with temperatures so cold,” Schack said. “Salt won’t help much.”

Nevertheless, the city’s Public Works Department is ready with 200 tons of salt to treat roads.

“We’re not in danger of not having any,” said Tom Orzulak, street division manager.

Orzulak said 50 tons of salt was delivered early last week and 150 tons this week, all from a St. Louis salt supplier, to cushion the city’s dwindling salt supply.

Friday’s high will be 28 degrees with winds coming from the north at 5 to 12 mph. The arctic air will let up this weekend, and temperatures will move into the 30s.