photo by: Shawn Valverde

The intersection of 23rd and Massachusetts streets is pictured on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, after the snow.

Douglas County is expected to have high winds with possible blizzard conditions Tuesday evening and into Wednesday.

The National Weather Service in Topeka forecasts thunderstorms developing in the early afternoon Tuesday, potentially bringing hail and strong winds. After the rain, blizzard conditions could follow, with the snow moving eastward. Snow accumulation is expected to range from 1 to 4 inches, with heavier amounts in northern and northeastern Kansas.

In Lawrence, wind gusts could reach up to 63 mph by midnight. High wind gusts have the potential to blow down trees and power lines. Travel will be difficult in the evening, especially for higher-profile vehicles like trucks, SUVs and vans. In addition, visibility may drop due to falling and blowing snow, and roads may become slippery.

The weather service indicated a low chance of a tornado and flooding, but warned residents to not underestimate the power of water, saying that it takes only 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock over an adult and 12 inches to carry away a small car.

The Kansas Statewide Tornado Drill, which was originally scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, will be canceled locally “due to the hazardous weather tonight and its potential impacts,” the National Weather Service said on Tuesday. The drill will not be rescheduled, and the department encourages residents to practice getting to a safe place in case of emergency.