Windy winter white out / LJWorld.com

Archive for Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Snowy gusts blow away brief springlike temps

January 30, 2008

Cold front brings what feels like 60 degree drop

Yesterday afternoon, the temperature was 54 degrees. A cold front brought today's temperature down to 14 degrees, with wind chill at -2. Enlarge video

Photo by Nick Krug

Lawrence Parks Department worker John Schrum is lost in a swirling gust of snow as he uses a snow brush to clear walkways near the intersection of Eighth and Massachusetts streets Tuesday in downtown Lawrence. Tuesday's snowfall, combined with relentless winds, made for uncomfortable walking conditions.

Photo by Richard Gwin

Tuesday's sudden drop in temperature -- 20 degrees in 2 hours -- was all it took to create havoc in downtown Lawrence. Jessica Irving, It's About Time employee, tried to help melt some of the snow and ice that was forming on the sidewalks.

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The weather has taken locals on a roller coaster ride this week.

"Can you believe we went from 60 degrees to 16?" 6News meteorologist Matt Elwell said of the week's temperature fluctuations.

"Pretty amazing. Monday's high was 60. Tuesday's low was 16."

Today may offer a respite from snow. The forecast calls for scattered clouds and south winds with a high of 39 and low of 26.

But expect to wake up to snow on Thursday, Elwell said, adding that drivers should use caution getting to work because there will be accumulations during the morning rush hour.

Accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected by the end of the day.

Thursday's snow is expected to be the last for this week - ending a wild ride that included moments of bone-chilling cold and throw-off-your-jacket warmth.

Monday felt a bit like spring. The high of 60 degrees nearly hit the record high of 64. And some areas of central Kansas saw temperatures in the low 70s, 6News chief meteorologist Jennifer Schack said.

The temperatures raised spirits and spurred some to put on shorts.

It "was the first day that I rode my bike," Kansas University senior Agata Kaminska said.

Then Tuesday hit. The day started out mild with temperatures in the 50s. At 5 a.m., the temperature was 53.

But by 10 a.m., the mercury had sunk to 19 degrees. Midday wind chills were below zero.

The low temperatures and gusty winds made for tough conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Douglas County emergency dispatchers said Tuesday afternoon they had received more than a dozen accident reports.

"We're just getting these tastes of spring and all of a sudden a nice bash of winter mixed right back in," Elwell said.

One day after riding her bike to school, Kaminska struggled through wind and snow to get to class on foot.

"You have to turn backwards and wait for the gust of snow to pass before you continue," she said.

"I'm a bit disappointed. If there's going to be snow, there better be enough for us to be able to sled."

Schack said she expects more ups and downs in the weather in the weeks to come. And it's too early to pack away those coats.

"For the most part," she said, "I'd plan on anticipating more winter."

Discussion

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30 January 2008
at 10:48 a.m.

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trinity (Anonymous) says…

what wonderful wintry weather!

now my damn W key is broken…
30 January 2008
at 5:51 p.m.

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GretchenJP (Anonymous) says…

Boy that's Kansas weather for ya… if you don't like it, wait a minute. :o)
30 January 2008
at 6:40 p.m.

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Pywacket (Anonymous) says…

Trin~ Sounds like you need to abuse another letter for awhile. ;-)

Lo and behold, Katie is very nonchalant about tomorrow's predicted snow. My favorite internet sites are showing us in the 4-5 or 5-7 ranges but Katie calmly stated that most of the snow would be south, leaving us with a paltry 1-2 inches.

Since she tends to exaggerate, maybe that really puts us in the 0-1 range. Dang it. A snowed-in and snug day would be nice.
31 January 2008
at 12:26 a.m.

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KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says…

I've lost faith in the Kansas City tv weather folks this winter. I certainly believe we'll see more than her and Mike Thompson think we'll see.
31 January 2008
at 9:47 a.m.

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Pywacket (Anonymous) says…

KUweatherman…. Gonna stick to that prediction? ;-)

Definitely looks like the heavier snow has taken a southward route at this point. NOAA has downgraded our “winter storm warning” to a “snow advisory,” and their numbers now are 1-3 inches for here.

Wish Katie had been wrong, because I love snow, but I think she was on the money this time. I don't usually even watch TV weather but just happened to be flipping by while she was on and couldn't resist stopping to see if she'd live up to her “dire warnings” reputation. Maybe she's trying to turn over a new, more realistic leaf.