For most of this six-county North Central Kansas area, the quick-hitting-but-significant winter storm and blizzard that struck on this Saturday was likely the overall most-impactful storm of the 2018-19 winter season. This storm resulted in several hours of white-out conditions, promoting treacherous to near-impossible travel. As for snow amounts, the majority of the area received at least 6-8, with localized higher totals to around 10. Per several CoCoRaHS and NWS cooperative observers, some of the highest official totals featured: 10 near Plainville, 9 at Covert, 8.9 near Webber and 8.3 at Webster Dam. The lowest totals focused within central and especially western Phillips County, where 2-5 was common. Of course, winds were a major factor in the blizzard conditions, as sustained northerly speeds averaged 25-30 MPH with gusts commonly 35-40 MPH, frequently reducing visibility to around 1/4 mile or less.
Breaking down timing, this was roughly a nine-hour storm for the area as a whole. The first moderate-heavy snow bands blossomed between 9-11 a.m., peaked in intensity during the early-mid afternoon, and then gradually ended from west-to-east during the late afternoon and early evening, with even the far eastern counties along Highway 14 mostly snow-free by 7 p.m. In the mid-upper levels, this was a fairly classic recipe for a major winter storm/blizzard, as a powerful shortwave trough started off centered over the TX Panhandle on the morning of the 23rd, reached the KS/NE/MO border area by sunset and gradually departed across IA into WI through the night. The associated strong surface low pressure system followed a very similar track. Around the time snow broke out in North Central Kansas, the low was centered over south central KS with a central pressure around 1000 millibars. Slight intensification commenced through the afternoon and evening as it headed northeast, registering around 996 millibars over southeast IA by 9 p.m. From a forecast perspective this was a well-anticipated event, with a Winter Storm Watch first issued for all six local counties on the afternoon of the 21st, around 42-44 hours before the onset of heavy snow and blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in ROOKS, KANSAS
From 23-FEB-19 13:00:00 to 23-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A snowfall total of 10.0 inches occurred four miles west-northwest of Plainville and 8.3 inches fell at Webster Dam. Frequent north wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph produced quarter mile visibility or less when accompanied by the heavy snow.

Blizzard in SMITH, KANSAS
From 23-FEB-19 13:00:00 to 23-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A snowfall total of 8.0 inches occurred in Lebanon and 7.0 inches fell in Smith Center. Frequent north wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph produced quarter mile visibility or less when accompanied by the heavy snow.

Blizzard in MITCHELL, KANSAS
From 23-FEB-19 13:00:00 to 23-FEB-19 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A snowfall total of 7.0 inches occurred in Beloit and 5.5 inches fell in Cawker City. Frequent north wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph produced quarter mile visibility or less when accompanied by the heavy snow.

Blizzard in OSBORNE, KANSAS
From 23-FEB-19 13:00:00 to 23-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A snowfall total of 9.0 inches occurred at Covert and 7.0 inches fell in Natoma.  Frequent north wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph produced quarter mile visibility or less when accompanied by the heavy snow.

Blizzard in PHILLIPS, KANSAS
From 23-FEB-19 13:00:00 to 23-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A snowfall total of 7.5 inches occurred at Kirwin Dam, 4.5 inches fell east of Phillipsburg, and 3.0 inches fell in Logan. Frequent north wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph produced quarter mile visibility or less when accompanied by the heavy snow.

Blizzard in JEWELL, KANSAS
From 23-FEB-19 13:00:00 to 23-FEB-19 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall total of 8.9 fell near Webber, 8.0 inches fell at Lovewell Dam and 6.8 inches occurred in Burr Oak. Frequent north wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph produced quarter mile visibility or less when accompanied by the heavy snow.