State offices and schools close with threat of winter storm
February 3, 2014
Governor Sam Brownback made the decision to close state offices and Shawnee County for Tuesday, Feb. 4, due to the incoming winter storm. The closure goes into effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday morning until 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The problem is not so much with people having trouble getting to their destinations Tuesday morning, but getting home may pose difficulties. The weather is expected to worsen as the day progresses. Brownback does not want to see the same problems arise that hit Georgia recently. (www.weather.com)
‘A lot of snow, a lot of cold, and a lot of wind’ is what Brownback finds most concerning about this coming storm. He said safety should be the primary concern.
It is not just the level of snow expected, but the increased winds and bitterly cold temperatures which create the potential for dangerous situations.
According to the National Weather Service moderate to heavy snow is expected all day Tuesday. A total of 5 to 9 inches of snow is expected by Wednesday morning. In addition to the heavy snowfall, winds are expected to increase with gusts greater than 30 MPH in some areas.
The combination of snow and wind can cause reduced visibility and significant blowing and drifting of snow. Temperatures will become bitterly cold with wind chills of 13 to 20 degrees below zero.
Many of the school districts, including Topeka Public Schools (501) made the decision early to cancel school for Tuesday. The University of Kansas and Kansas State University have both closed. For an updated list of area closings go to: wibw.com/closings or kansasfirstnews.com/closings
Washburn Nursing classes canceled all clinicals for Tuesday. Washburn School of Technology has canceled classes (all employees report as scheduled.)
Students should make safety a primary concern if they must go out on Tuesday.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 12 AM CST Tuesday until 6 AM CST Wednesday.
For more information or weather updates visit:
*Update: Washburn University and Washburn Institute of Technology will be closed and all classes are cancelled for Wednesday 02/05/14. Essential personnel report as required.