Snow continues in Kansas City; travel becoming more difficult

3:05 p.m. | A band of heavy snowfall is moving through western parts of the Kansas City area. NWS urged drivers to use caution in those areas as visibility will change "rapidly" reduce to less than a mile.

2:55 p.m. | 41 Action News Meteorologist Wes Peery provides and afternoon update on Kansas City's current snow situation.

12:05 p.m. | A band of heavy snow has set up from St. Joseph to Lee's Summit, according to 41 Action News meteorologist Lindsey Anderson. High winds and low visibility are likely within this band.

Noon | Law enforcement agencies are reporting an increase in crashes and calls for service across the metro due to wintry weather.

Kansas City, Missouri, police said 34 crashes involving injuries have been reported today, compared with five at the same time Thursday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop A, headquartered in Lee's Summit, said troopers have responded to nearly 100 calls for service since early this morning. MSHP also reported 17 vehicles crashes and one injury.

11:30 a.m. | The Kansas City metro could see another one-half to 1 inch of snow by 3 p.m., bringing total snowfall amounts to 1 to 2 inches, 41 Action News meteorologist Jeff Penner said in an updated timeline.

Roads will be mostly wet and slushy before 5 p.m. After that, refreezing will occur.

11:10 a.m. | The National Weather Service in Kansas City says an "enhanced band of snow" is heading into the north side of the metro and could lead to "deteriorating" travel conditions for the next hour or two.

Johnson County officials say crews have been pretreating unincorporated paved roads with rock salt and will continue to monitor the weather and plow or treat roads as needed.

The Missouri Department of Transportation called conditions "hazardous," with high winds and blowing snow leading to poor visibility on the roads.

10:50 a.m. | Kansas City, Missouri, Public Schools says it will have an early release for all students and staff due to winter weather. That includes virtual and distance learning classes, pre-K sites and special programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs and Parks and Recreation locations. All after-school athletic practices also are canceled.

10:40 a.m. | Around one-half inch of snow has fallen on the Country Club Plaza, and 41 Action News meteorologist Lindsey Anderson says an additional 1 inch of snow is possible before it ends later today. Slick roads will be possible through the evening commute.

The National Weather Service in Kansas City also warned that travel was becoming more difficult across the metro, urging drivers to allow for extra time and to check for the latest road conditions before heading out.

10:20 a.m. | Meteorologist Gary Lezak gave an update on the winter weather conditions.

8:45 a.m. | Around 1/2 inch of snow was already reported on the Kansas side of the state line.

Steady light to moderate snow in south OP. Wind is increasing. Treated surfaces have slick spots, like the side road. Untreated surfaces like driveways are covered. About 1/2” of snow so far. ⁦@41actionnews⁩ pic.twitter.com/GtBp0xIFTh

— Jeff Penner (@JeffPennerKSHB) January 15, 2021

7:41 a.m. | Snow can be visibly seen on many surfaces at this point.

Parking lots, sidewalks & many roads are starting to get covered this morning! This is a view in KCK at the Legends. Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/LfYGLR9L9V

— Lindsey Anderson (@lnanderson) January 15, 2021

7:27 a.m. | As the snow started to accumulate, several crashes were reported around the Kansas City area.

CRASH LIST:
69 HWY SB PAST I-35 SB
69 HWY SB TO I-435 EB
I-29 SB PAST TIFFANY SPRINGS PKWY
I-35 SB TO I-435 NB
I-435 NB AT I-70
K-10 EB AT I-435 EB
K-7 NB AT STATE AVE@41ActionNews @DaishaJonesKSHB pic.twitter.com/nFIVtracyr

— 41 Traffic Now (@41TrafficNow) January 15, 2021

6:20 a.m. | Road temperatures are at freezing, making it possible that snow will stick and create slick spots.

32 DEGREES: Our road temps are currently 32 degrees. Snow is beginning to stick, this may cause issues on our roads as slick spots begin to form. Drive safe, KC!@41ActionNews @DaishaJonesKSHB pic.twitter.com/wJQvaE9q4K

— 41 Traffic Now (@41TrafficNow) January 15, 2021

6 a.m. | Winter weather is expected to make travel hazardous in the Kansas City area. High wind and snow will combine to reduce visibility and make roads slick. Snow is expected to accumulate somewhere between a dusting to 3 inches, with some higher drifts in spots due to the wind.

Snow began falling in downtown Kansas City just before 6 a.m.

The snow is expected to last into the evening commute, with the area under a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m.

Several jurisdictions pretreated roads overnight to prepare for the morning commute.

Some schools closed due to the expected conditions. Many of those chose to continue with virtual learning.

Snow showers have started and roads are starting to get wet in the Power & Light District. https://t.co/EcEPIBNpHa pic.twitter.com/tIMxs8QzoQ

— Bryant Maddrick (@BryantOnTV) January 15, 2021