Commute to be slow and snowy

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Wind chill poses dangers

After receiving more than 3 inches of snow Wednesday, the city’s high temperature could top out at 5 degrees today with wind chill figures between 10 and 20 below zero, according to 6News chief meteorologist Matt Elwell. Snowfall should end before this morning’s rush hour, but high winds and frigid temperatures could combine to make travel conditions unfavorable.

“We may have a bit of light snow, but the biggest concern is going to be the blowing snow and the already snow-packed roads,” Elwell said. “The commute will be slow and snow-packed, with low visibility.”

Douglas and surrounding counties are under a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. today, and a wind chill watch is in effect through Saturday morning.

Wednesday’s winter blast, which included steady snow in the afternoon followed by high winds and blowing snow in the evening, contributed to numerous accidents and stalled vehicles.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, two injury accidents and 23 noninjury accidents occurred in Douglas County after noon Wednesday. Twenty-six vehicles slid off roads or stalled in the snow.

“It was about 45 miles an hour all the way on I-70,” said Jordan Seaburn, a Kansas City, Mo., resident who traveled Wednesday afternoon to Lawrence. “There’s some black ice, some crazy people out there who think they can drive fast and are probably going to end up in the ditch.”

The National Weather Service recommends keeping extra clothing, blankets, water and a flashlight in your vehicle in case of emergency.