A massive winter storm of historic proportions affected the region from the early morning hours January 31st through the evening hours February 1st. Precipitation started out as freezing drizzle on the 31st, with snow expanding across the area during the evening and overnight hours. The snow, which was moderate to heavy and times, persisted through the 1st, tapering to flurries by evening on the 1st. The highest accumulations occurred generally southeast of the Kansas Turnpike corridor, where accumulations exceeded 6 inches. However, far southeast Kansas saw the highest accumulations, with amounts exceeding one foot. The highest amount received was a little over 18 inches over southeast Labette county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifts, some of which exceeded 4 feet tall. Additionally, temperatures in the single digits and teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings as cold as -30 degrees, coldest over central Kansas. The heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and bitter cold wind chills closed numerous schools, businesses and government offices. City and county snow removal crews were overwhelmed by the heavy snow and big drifts. Consequently, travel and commerce were brought to a standstill. At Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, dozens of arrivals and departures were canceled. Where snow was heaviest over far southeast Kansas, National Guard personnel were deployed to assist transporting medical personnel from their homes to area hospitals to perform their essential, life-saving duties. The governor issued an emergency declaration for 53 counties, including most areas along and east of I-135. Numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs occurred across the area, with a handful of injuries reported. Unfortunately, one fatality occurred on February 2nd in Wichita, when a train struck a car stuck in snow on railroad tracks.

Winter Weather in HARPER, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 06:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of snow produced up to 5 inches snow accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Winter Weather in RUSSELL, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 02:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the afternoon on the 31st through the late afternoon on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 1 to 3 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, temperatures near zero in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -30 degrees.

Winter Weather in LINCOLN, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 02:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the afternoon on the 31st through the late afternoon on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 1 to 3 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, temperatures near zero in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -30 degrees.

Blizzard in WOODSON, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 04:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours into the afternoon hours on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced anywhere from 8 to 12 inches snow accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with 4 foot drifts. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Winter Storm in MARION, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 02:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 20.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Areas of freezing drizzle and sleet affected the county from around midnight through late morning on the 31st, creating slick roads and aiding in numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs countywide. Thereafter, from the late evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow affected the county. Law enforcement reported 6 inches snow accumulation in Florence. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. The Peabody Gazette-Bulletin contributed to this report.

Winter Storm in CHASE, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 01:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced 5 to 6 inches snow accumulation in the Cottonwood Falls area, with drifts up to 3.5 feet. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times countywide. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Winter Weather in SALINE, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 01:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 20.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads and numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs countywide. One such accident proved fatal (location, gender and age unknown), and at least one other produced injuries (number of injuries unknown). Other numerous injuries were reported due to other mishaps dealing with the ice. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 2 to 4 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -25 degrees. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. The Salina Journal contributed to this report.

Winter Weather in MCPHERSON, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 01:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads and numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs countywide. One injury accident was reported along I-135, producing one known injury. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 1 to 3 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -25 degrees. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. The Hutchinson News contributed to this report.

Winter Storm in RENO, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 06:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Areas of freezing drizzle from early morning through early afternoon on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced up to 6 inches in the Haven area. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. In Pretty Prairie, an abandoned building's roof collapsed due to the snow's weight coupled with the strong winds. Property damage estimates regarding this collapsed roof are included in the February write-up of this event. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -25 degrees.

Blizzard in WILSON, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 04:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours into the afternoon hours on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced anywhere from 8 to 10 inches snow accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with drifts up to 4 feet. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Winter Weather in BARTON, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 22:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Newspaper

Areas of light to moderate snow affected the county from the afternoon hours on the 31st through the late afternoon hours on February 1st. Accumulations ranged from 1 to 3 inches countywide. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Vehicle accidents and slide-offs across the county were minimal. Property damage estimates regarding these minor vehicle incidents were included in the February write-up for this event. Additionally, temperatures near zero in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -30 degrees. The Great Bend Tribune contributed to this report.

Blizzard in ALLEN, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 04:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours into the afternoon hours on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced around 12 inches snow accumulation in the Iola area. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Winter Storm in SEDGWICK, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 06:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Public

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced 6.5 inches snow accumulation 4 miles southeast of downtown Wichita. The Wichita area received generally 4 to 6 inches snow accumulation. Dozens of arrivals and departures were canceled at Mid-Continent Airport. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -25 degrees. One fatality occurred in Wichita on February 2nd when a train struck a car stuck in snow on railroad tracks near 20th and Topeka. This fatality along with corresponding property damage estimates were included in the February write-up for this event. The Wichita Eagle contributed to this report.

Winter Weather in KINGMAN, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 06:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of snow produced up to 3 to 4 inches snow accumulation across mainly southern and eastern portions of the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Blizzard in NEOSHO, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 04:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours into the afternoon hours on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced anywhere from 10 to 14 inches snow accumulation across the county, highest over eastern portions of the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Blizzard in LABETTE, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 22:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP Observers reported anywhere from 11 to 18 inches snow accumulation across the county, highest over eastern and southern portions of the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with 4 to 5 foot drifts. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Winter Storm in HARVEY, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 06:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced 5 to 6 inches snow accumulation in the Newton area. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs were reported, some of which included injuries. These injuries along with any corresponding property damage estimates are included in the February write-up of this event. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -25 degrees. The Newton Kansas contributed to this report.

Winter Storm in GREENWOOD, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 03:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced around 8 inches snow accumulation in the Madison area, with around 6 inches in Eureka. Drifts up to 2 feet were common. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Winter Storm in SUMNER, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 06:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced up to 6 inches snow accumulation in the Wellington area, with drifts up to 2 feet. One vehicle accident was reported in the Wellington area. Corresponding property damage estimates were included in the February write-up for this event. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times countywide. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees. The Wellington Daily News contributed to this report.

Winter Weather in ELLSWORTH, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 02:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the afternoon on the 31st through the late afternoon on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 2 to 4 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, temperatures near zero in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -30 degrees.

Winter Weather in RICE, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 01:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 1 to 3 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -25 degrees.

Blizzard in ELK, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 03:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced about 8 inches snow accumulation in the Howard area, with drifts up to 4 feet. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times countywide. Additionally, temperatures in the single digits and teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 to -20 degrees.

Blizzard in MONTGOMERY, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 22:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP Observers reported anywhere from 8 to 12 inches snow accumulation across the county, with 12 to 16 inches over mainly southeast portions of the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with drifts up to 4 feet. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees. The Independence Daily Reporter contributed to this report.

Winter Storm in BUTLER, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 06:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced up to 7 inches snow accumulation in the El Dorado area, with around 6 inches in Rose Hill and Augusta. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts of 40 to 45 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Blizzard in CHAUTAUQUA, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 03:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced about 9 inches snow accumulation in the Sedan area, with around 11 inches in the Chautauqua area. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Additionally, temperatures in the single digits and teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 to -20 degrees.

Winter Storm in COWLEY, KANSAS
From 31-JAN-11 06:00:00 to 31-JAN-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced up to 9.5 inches snow accumulation in Arkansas City, with around 7.5 inches in Winfield. Drifts up to 2 feet were common. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times countywide. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.