Winter Storm Watch in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon...
Early This Morning
Rain showers likely and scattered thunderstorms. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.
Today
Occasional rain showers...scattered thunderstorms in the morning...then occasional rain showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs 40 to 46. East winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 25 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.
Occasional rain showers in the evening...then occasional rain showers and a chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Lows around 40. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.
Thursday
Rain likely in the morning...then occasional rain in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s. Temperatures steady or slowly falling in the afternoon. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
Periods of snow...rain and sleet in the evening...then snow likely after midnight. Blowing snow through the night. Colder. Moderate snow accumulations. Lows in the lower 20s. North winds 15 to 20 mph shifting to the west after midnight. Gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
Christmas Day
Snow. Blowing snow. Blustery...colder. Moderate snow accumulations. Highs in the lower 20s. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
Friday Night
Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Lows around 15.
Saturday
Considerable cloudiness with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the lower 20s.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. Chance of flurries. Very cold. Lows around 9.
Sunday
Partly sunny. Highs around 20.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. Very cold. Lows around 8.
Monday
Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 20s.
Monday Night and Tuesday
Partly cloudy. Lows around 14. Highs in the upper 20s.
... Winter Storm Watch in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon...
The National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill has issued a Winter Storm Watch... which is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon.
* Rain may change to a mix of sleet and snow as early as Thursday afternoon... before transitioning to all snow by Thursday evening.
* Minor sleet accumulations will be possible through Thursday afternoon... before the rapidly change over to snow. After changing to snow by Thursday evening... total snowfall accumulations through Friday afternoon may be in the 3 to 9 inch range.
* Strong northwest to west winds will develop Thursday afternoon through Friday... with sustained winds possibly reaching 30 mph with a few higher gusts. This will create extensive blowing and drifting of snow and near blizzard conditions.
* Travel may become extremely dangerous late Thursday afternoon through Friday... with periods of heavy snow possible and significantly reduced visibilities. Persons planning on traveling for the Holiday should either leave today... or make alternative plans.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow... sleet... or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.
Public Information Statement
Statement as of 10:08 am CST on December 23, 2009
... NOAA Weather Radio alarm tests cancelled today...
The routine weekly NOAA Weather Radio alarm tests for today have been cancelled because of the risk of winter and severe weather in the listening area.
The tests will be attempted again tomorrow unless severe weather again threatens.