photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

A view of snow accumulation at South Park on Monday, Jan. 8.

In the first major winter storm of 2024, the Lawrence area could see significant snowfall over the next 12 hours.

Adam Jones, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Topeka, said the Lawrence area could expect 4 to 6 inches of snowfall Monday night and into Tuesday morning.

“The heaviest snow is going to fall from 6 p.m. this evening until 6 a.m. tomorrow,” Jones said.

Jones said that snow accumulation will likely create hazardous road conditions, and advised people to “avoid traveling if possible” because “it’s not going to be pleasant.”

“This evening, overnight and tomorrow — road conditions will likely be slick and hazardous,” he said, adding that wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour are expected to arrive Tuesday morning, reducing visibility to a quarter-mile or less. “So it’s going to blow that snow all around and create even more hazardous conditions.”

For those venturing onto the roadways, Jones advised to travel with a “survival kit.”

“And make sure that you have a plan to check the road conditions before you leave, and wear clothing that is appropriate for winter,” he said. “You could get caught out in the elements, so make sure that you’re prepared.”

The area could see lighter snowfall on Thursday and Friday, Jones said, with temperatures expected to plummet into the teens and single-digits through the weekend.

“Below-zero wind chills are expected over the weekend,” he said.

Inclement Weather Declaration

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday issued an Inclement Weather Declaration for Shawnee County. Kelly’s order closes state office buildings in Shawnee County from 3 p.m. Monday through Tuesday. The declaration, according to a press release from Kelly’s office, asks that all non-essential employees work remotely, if possible — while essential personnel are required to report to work during the declaration.

“(The) declaration only applies to those Executive Branch offices within Shawnee County,” the press release read. “Appointing authorities in offices located outside Shawnee County have the option to declare ‘Inclement Weather’ for those counties, as conditions dictate.”