photo by: City of Lawrence

City of Lawrence snowplow Taylor Drift clears streets Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Lawrence is expected to have 4 to 7 inches of snow accumulating through Tuesday afternoon followed by dangerously cold temperatures throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.

By Monday afternoon, multiple entities had announce closures for Tuesday, including KU, Douglas County District Court and state offices. Lawrence Public School announced the seventh closure for the year so far.

Light snow will begin Monday night, increasing just after midnight with heavy snowfall to last through Tuesday afternoon, with a high near 5 degrees, said Daniel Reese, a meteorologist with the NWS. The heavier snowfall should finish by Tuesday evening, but the Lawrence area could still see a few light flurries, he said.

The rest of the week is expected to be dry, but temperatures will remain in the single digits with highs around 4 degrees on Wednesday and 9 degrees on Thursday, Reese said. Thursday morning will be the coldest of the week with an expected low of minus 12 degrees around 6 a.m.

“Wind chills will be in the negative teens all week,” Reese said.

The weekend is expected to be dry with a chance of a few snow flurries on Friday and a high of 18 degrees and warming into the weekend, Reese said. Lawrence is expected to have a high of 32 degrees on Saturday and 43 degrees on Sunday.

The National Weather Service advises residents to dress in layers if going outside and to wear hats, face masks and gloves. They recommend keeping pets indoors as much as possible and to frequently check on older family members, friends and neighbors. It is not advised to use generators or grills indoors.

For those who must travel, it is recommended to keep a flashlight, food, water and blankets in the vehicle in case of an emergency.

Open warming centers in Lawrence for the unhoused or under-housed include:

First United Methodist Church at 946 Vermont St.

University Community of Christ at 1900 University Drive is open overnight and through the daytime with meals provided through Friday.

Lawrence Community Shelter at 3655 E 25th St.

Anyone struggling with transportation to a shelter can call (785) 813-9483.