A strong storm system swept through the Central Plains during the Christmas holiday, bringing moderate to heavy snow and strong winds. The event started out with light freezing rain, but cooler air quickly worked its way into the mid levels of the atmosphere and the precipitation changed to snow. Areas of east central Kansas received up to a quarter inch of ice before the moderate to heavy snow began falling on Christmas Eve. Just after midnight on the 25th strong winds pushed through the area bringing blizzard conditions to far eastern Kansas. Wind gusts as high as 48 mph were observed at Topeka's Forbes Field, and wind gusts as high as 54 mph were observed in Emporia, KS.  The winds not only lowered visibilities to below 1/4 mile for several hours, but blew the soft powdery snow across the roadways making travel treacherous, and nearly impossible. When the snow finally stopped up to 10 inches fell across the northeastern portion of Kansas. Getting accurate snow measurements was difficult due to the blowing and drifting nature of the snow, so totals may have been higher in some locations.  As a result of the blowing and drifting snow, drifts around 5 to 6 feet deep formed against fences, houses, barns and road embankments. The snow gradually tapered off through the 26th. The storm system stalled over Iowa and even retrograded a bit to the west bringing another 2 days of light snow with little accumulation. By the 27th most of the area saw the snow diminish completely. The snow from Dec 23rd through December 26th allowed both Topeka and Concordia to set records for most snowfall in the month of December.

Winter Storm in MARSHALL, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Marshall county.  Spotters in Blue Rapids reported 9.5 to 10 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Marshall county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in SHAWNEE, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Shawnee county. Trained spotters near Topeka reported around 9 inches of snow. The ASOS station at Forbes Field south of Topeka reported a wind gust of 48 mph at 1:36 am, and trained spotters throughout Shawnee county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow. Many vehicle accidents were reported on the roads throughout the county.

Blizzard in JEFFERSON, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 22:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Jefferson county. By the time the snow ended, Valley Falls reported around 8 inches, and Grantville received around 9 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Jefferson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions.

Winter Storm in NEMAHA, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Nemaha county.   A spotter near Corning reported 16.0 inches of snow; while spotters near Seneca and Baileyville reported 13.5 to 14.0 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Nemaha county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm in BROWN, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Brown county.   Spotters in Horton reported around 8 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Brown county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm in JACKSON, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Jackson county. Trained spotters in Holton reported around 10 inches of snow, and the local newspaper in Holton reported around 12 inches in the city. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Jackson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Holton's Town Squre accumulated snow drifts around 5 feet high, but residents from around the county reported snow drifts as high as 15 feet. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow. Many vehicle accidents were reported on the roads throughout the county.

Winter Storm in SHAWNEE, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Shawnee county. Trained spotters near Topeka reported around 9 inches of snow. The ASOS station at Forbes Field south of Topeka reported a wind gust of 48 mph at 1:36 am, and trained spotters throughout Shawnee county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow. Many vehicle accidents were reported on the roads throughout the county.

Winter Storm in DOUGLAS, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Douglas county. By the time the snow ended, Lawrence received around 9 inches of snow, and Lecompton reported around 10 inches of snow. The Lawrence ASOS reported a wind gust of 45 mp at 1:03 am on December 25th. Trained spotters throughout Douglas county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Several vehicle accidents were reported in the county due to the treacherous travel conditions.

Winter Storm in COFFEY, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Coffey county. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Coffey county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in COFFEY, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 20:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Coffey county. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Coffey county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm in FRANKLIN, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Franklin county. By the time the snow ended, places near Ottawa reported around 8 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Franklin county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many minor accidents were reported across Franklin county. Areas throughout the county experience brief power disruptions as a result of the storm.

Blizzard in WABAUNSEE, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Wabaunsee county. Trained spotters throughout Wabaunsee county reported 7 to 9 inches of son; while spotters in Eskridge reported 10 inches throughout the event. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Wabaunsee county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm in LYON, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Lyon county. Trained spotters in Neosho Rapids reported around 7 inches of snow; while reports from Emporia indicated around 10 inches of snow. The Emporia ASOS reported a wind gust of 54 mph at 1:20 am on December 25th. Trained spotters throughout Lyon county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm in ANDERSON, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Anderson county. By the time the snow ended, places near Garnett reported around 5 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Anderson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions.

Blizzard in POTTAWATOMIE, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Pottawatomie county.   Spotters near Onaga reported around 9 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Pottawatomie county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm in OSAGE, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Osage county. Trained spotters in Carbondale reported around 10 inches of snow; while spotters near Osage City reported 13 inches. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Osage county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm in JEFFERSON, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Jefferson county. By the time the snow ended, Valley Falls reported around 8 inches, and Grantville received around 9 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Jefferson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions.

Winter Storm in WABAUNSEE, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Wabaunsee county. Trained spotters throughout Wabaunsee county reported 7 to 9 inches of son; while spotters in Eskridge reported 10 inches throughout the event. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Wabaunsee county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm in POTTAWATOMIE, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Pottawatomie county.   Spotters near Onaga reported around 9 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Pottawatomie county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in OSAGE, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 21:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Osage county. Trained spotters in Carbondale reported around 10 inches of snow; while spotters near Osage City reported 13 inches. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Osage county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in NEMAHA, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Nemaha county.   A spotter near Corning reported 16.0 inches of snow; while spotters near Seneca and Baileyville reported 13.5 to 14.0 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Nemaha county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in JACKSON, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Jackson county. Trained spotters in Holton reported around 10 inches of snow, and the local newspaper in Holton reported around 12 inches in the city. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Jackson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Holton's Town Squre accumulated snow drifts around 5 feet high, but residents from around the county reported snow drifts as high as 15 feet. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow. Many vehicle accidents were reported on the roads throughout the county.

Blizzard in GEARY, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Geary county.   Fort Riley reported 6.0 inches of snow between the 24th and 25th. Manhattan ASOS reported wind gusts of up to 30 mph; however, trained spotters throughout Geary county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in MARSHALL, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Marshall county.  Spotters in Blue Rapids reported 9.5 to 10 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Marshall county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in MORRIS, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Morris county.   Snow totals throughout the county varied between 4 and 7 inches, with spotters near White City reporting nearly 7 inches. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Morris county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm in CLAY, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 15:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell across Clay county starting on December 24th, and lasted through midday on Christmas day.  The highest reported snow amount from the county was 6 inches out of Clay Center. Strong winds accompanied the storm, and caused blowing and drifting snow to occur along structures and across roads, making travel nearly impossible. Wind gusts of near 50 mph were reported from various ASOS stations throughout the area.

Winter Storm in DICKINSON, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 15:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Light freezing rain, sleet, and snow flurries began falling on Wednesday December 23rd. Moderate to heavy snow fell across Dickinson county starting on December 24th, and lasted through midday on Christmas day.  The highest reported snow amount from the county was around 6 inches out of Chapman, KS.  Strong winds accompanied the storm, and caused blowing and drifting snow to occur along structures and across roads, making travel nearly impossible. Several nearby ASOS stations reported wind gusts of up to 50 mph throughout the night on Christmas Eve.

Blizzard in BROWN, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Brown county.   Spotters in Horton reported around 8 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Brown county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in LYON, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 20:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Lyon county. Trained spotters in Neosho Rapids reported around 7 inches of snow; while reports from Emporia indicated around 10 inches of snow. The Emporia ASOS reported a wind gust of 54 mph at 1:20 am on December 25th. Trained spotters throughout Lyon county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in RILEY, KANSAS
From 25-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Riley county.   Several spotters in Manhattan reported over 9 inches of snow; while a spotter in Parallel reported over 6 inches of snow. Manhattan ASOS reported wind gusts of up to 30 mph; however, trained spotters throughout Riley county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard in FRANKLIN, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 20:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Franklin county. By the time the snow ended, places near Ottawa reported around 8 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Franklin county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many minor accidents were reported across Franklin county. Areas throughout the county experience brief power disruptions as a result of the storm.

Winter Storm in WASHINGTON, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 15:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Moderate to heavy snow fell across Washington county starting on December 24th, and lasted through midday on Christmas day.  The highest reported snow amount from the county was 7.4 inches out of the city of Barnes. Haddam, KS also came in just under 7.5 inches, and 5 inches of snow were reported out of Clifton, KS.  Strong winds accompanied the storm, and caused blowing and drifting snow to occur along structures and across roads, making travel nearly impossible. Concordia's ASOS station reported a wind gust of 49 mph during the early morning hours on the 25th.

Blizzard in ANDERSON, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 20:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Anderson county. By the time the snow ended, places near Garnett reported around 5 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Anderson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions.

Blizzard in DOUGLAS, KANSAS
From 24-DEC-09 22:00:00 to 25-DEC-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Douglas county. By the time the snow ended, Lawrence received around 9 inches of snow, and Lecompton reported around 10 inches of snow. The Lawrence ASOS reported a wind gust of 45 mp at 1:03 am on December 25th. Trained spotters throughout Douglas county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Several vehicle accidents were reported in the county due to the treacherous travel conditions.