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.

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