KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – People who live in and around Kansas City should prepare for a significant winter storm this weekend.

Winter storm watches are already in effect for the metro’s extreme western counties on the Kansas side. The watches start around Jefferson County and stretch south to Anderson and Franklin Counties. The watches are for 12 p.m. Saturday until Sunday at 6 p.m.

With the latest data available Thursday morning, expect winter storm warnings to impact the region within the next 24 hours to 48 hours.

THURSDAY FORECAST: Morning snow flakes turn to sunny skies before significant storm impacts weekend

Saturday

We are just starting to see signs in our short range modeling data that shows the winter storm entering in Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Freezing rain is likely to last Saturday afternoon and evening and into the early morning hours Sunday.

The extended forecast, data across all models are becoming more consistent with very little changes in snowfall or where it will fall.

Significant snowfall expected

At this time all forecast models are indicating snowfall totals between Saturday through Monday to range between 12 inches and 18 inches for the metro with up to 30 inches closer to St. Joseph and Cameron.

With those values in mind our extended forecast modeling systems forecasts using an algorithm that concentrates on the higher levels of the atmosphere rather than closer to the surface. This means precipitation totals are skewed overall. A more accurate forecast truly can be attained closer to the surface, but not many of our short range Models are in range to be used for this calculation. Another 24hours is needed to get a better snow value.

Taking those values into consideration, we do not expect to see such high levels of snowfall throughout the area however, a more conservative forecast still puts us confidently between 6 inches and 8 inches of snow with local areas getting 10+ inches of snow.

With these snowfall totals in mind accompanied with high wind, low visibility and ice accumulation, this puts the viewing area in a very dangerous situation and should be taken seriously. Preparing for this winter storm is vital. Traveling on any roads after 12 PM Saturday will be extremely dangerous.

Be sure to have a plan in place to keep you and your family safe during the winter storm. This means preparing your home and your vehicles for this winter event making sure you have the supplies needed to last through the winter storm, especially if the power goes out.

We anticipate together new data every three hours to six hours up until the actual event and we will continue to update you as soon as new information is presented to us. Stick with KCTV5 and the first warn five weather team for the latest on this significant winter storm.

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – While some were celebrating New Year’s with fireworks and champagne, several Kansas City residents are welcoming new additions to their families. Several babies were born after the clock struck midnight at hospitals across the metro.

“I don’t think it’s hit me yet that I’ve had a baby,” said Jaiden Willard. “She’s my second one. I feel like it’s going to hit me soon, like oh, I had a baby!”

Willard welcomed baby Julietta at The University of Kansas Health System’s Olathe campus at 12:45 a.m. Weighing in a 7 lbs., 3 oz, Julietta joins her big sister, who turns 2 in a few days. Willard says Julietta’s older sister is over the moon.

“Oh my gosh, she came in today saying baby sister, that’s my baby,” said Willard. “She would say ‘Baby is cold’ and got the blanket to cover her up. It was just the cutest thing. She kept asking ‘Where is my baby’ and was looking around the room for the baby. It was funny.”

The University of Kansas Health System says each family received a gift basket filled with baby items from the Chiefs, Royals, and KC Current, as well as a selection of health system-branded items.

Across the river at North Kansas City Hospital, Aleacia Estrada and Bryan Diarte welcomed their first child, Jesse, at 1:06 a.m.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Diarte, “Hearing his first cries made me cry, not gonna lie. It’s surreal, still. Just hasn’t settled in.”

Diarte says his brother also has little ones and is excited to watch all their kids grow up together.

North Kansas City Hospital also gave the new parents a basket full of goodies like books and diapers.

“We got an octopus toy,” said Diarte. “This little puppet is my favorite. Definitely going to play with these with him. We got a lot of books, some Pampers, blankets.”

As parents across the metro celebrate the new year with their new babies, Willard has a special message for other moms:

“They are rockstars, to be honest,” said Willard. “Bring in labor is very difficult. Congratulations and I hope everything goes good for the rest of the year!”

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.

By JAKE FENNER

Published: 20:42 GMT, 1 January 2025 | Updated: 20:44 GMT, 1 January 2025

With the number one seed in the AFC playoffs fully locked up for the Kansas City Chiefs, the team has made some personnel decisions to ensure the safety of its players.

That includes the move to bench starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes for Kansas City’s final regular season game against the Denver Broncos.

In his place, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that backup quarterback Carson Wentz will get the start.

While other moves hadn’t been announced, it’s likely that other key Kansas City starters – like pass rusher Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce – could also be benched.

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This game doesn’t have any importance for the 15-1 Chiefs – who already secured a bye to the AFC Divisional round taking place the weekend of January 18th.

However, that doesn’t mean that the game isn’t important to the overall AFC playoff picture.

The Kansas City Chiefs will be benching Patrick Mahomes for Sunday’s Week 18 matchup

Carson Wentz will get the start against Denver as KC already clinched the No. 1 seed

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The Broncos (9-7) are clinging to the last playoff spot – the seven-seed – and will likely need a victory in order to seal their participation in the NFL’s postseason.

If they don’t win the game against KC, then their fate is out of their hands and a spot could go to one of two other teams that currently sit at 8-8.

The Cincinnati Bengals play the 10-6 Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night and are in position to make the playoffs if they win and if Denver loses.

But if Cincinnati and Denver both lose, then the door swings open for the Miami Dolphins to claim the final playoff spot if they manage to beat the New York Jets. 

If all three teams lose, then Denver will make it into the postseason on tiebreakers.

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Whoever clinches the seven-seed faces a trip to Orchard Park, New York to take on the Buffalo Bills – who have locked up the two-seed in the AFC playoffs.

As for the NFC, all playoff teams have been confirmed barring the NFC South division – where either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Atlanta Falcons will make the postseason.