ASHLEY PEREZ, KATE CRAFT and CHERYL CADUE
KDOT
The Kansas Department of Transportation advises all motorists to avoid non-emergency travel, especially in northeast and north central Kansas, as dangerous blizzard conditions persist.
All state highways in Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Atchison, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Douglas, Johnson, Lyon, Osage, Jewell, Republic, Washington, Mitchell, Cloud, Clay, Lincoln, Ottawa, Ellsworth, Saline, Dickinson, Geary, Morris, McPherson, Marion and Chases counties are closed, including I-70. Reno County and Harvey County state highways are also closed as of 5 p.m. Sunday, as are highways in Butler County.
Motorists currently traveling in affected areas are advised to adjust travel plans immediately.
“This is a major, statewide winter weather event,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “We appreciate the cooperation of the public in staying off the roads so our crews can focus on reopening routes as quickly and as safely as possible. KDOT is out in force working diligently in these challenging conditions.”
KDOT crews are working to reopen roads, with priority given to major routes. Progress will depend on weather conditions.
If you are currently stranded, call *47 for Kansas Highway Patrol Dispatch and provide your location. KDOT encourages motorists to follow the guidance of emergency personnel and call for assistance to determine the best course of action.
KDOT also advises motorists who must travel to have emergency kits on hand with clothes, blankets, food, water and other supplies.
For updates on highway conditions across Kansas, visit kandrive.gov.
I-70 CLOSURE: I-70 is now closed in both direction from the Missouri state line in Kansas City west to the Ellsworth County line in western Kansas. Eastbound I-70 is also closed from Hays to the Missouri state line.