Emergency Alert: Stay off all Kansas roads during blizzard, KDOT says
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Due to an ongoing blizzard, the Kansas Department of Transportation issued an emergency alert telling people to avoid driving on any roads.
“Unless it is an emergency, please do not drive on Kansas roads. It is very dangerous for you and for our emergency services employees. Stay home. Stay safe,” KDOT’s emergency alert said.
Staying safe is something that is problematic even for emergency crews trying to help.
Two patrol cars and a trooper are now stuck at 6th and K-10 due to drifting snow. Travel remains nearly impossible throughout Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/qaWEycmGEf
— Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) January 5, 2025
The emergency alert was sent to cell phones across the state.
It was issued after KDOT already closed all state highways and interstates Sunday.
Due to low visibility, imable conditions and extreme winter weather, the Kansas Department of Transportation announced that all state highways are closed in 16 counties:
- Washington
- Clay
- Geary
- Dickinson
- Morris
- Marion
- Chase
- Mherson
- Saline
- Ellsworth
- Lincoln
- Ottawa
- Mitchell
- Republic
- Cloud
- Jewell
- Marshall
- Nemaha
- Brown
- Doniphan
- Riley
- Pottawatomie
- Jackson
- Atchison
- Wabaunsee
- Shawnee
- Jefferson
- Leavenworth
- Wyandotte
- Douglas
- Johnson
- Lyon
- Osage
- Osage
Drivers have been urged to adjust their 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.”
Additionally, KDOT indicated that I-70 has been closed in both directions from Hays to the Missouri state line in Kansas City.
Drivers have been warned to anticipate closures statewide as the storm continues to move across the Sunflower State.
Crews said they continue to work to reopen roads as major routes are given priority. Progress will heavily depend on ongoing weather conditions.
Those currently stranded on Kansas roadways can call *47 for the Kansas Highway Patrol Dispatch. Once a location is provided, emergency services will be sent.
KDOT has urged drivers to follow the guidance of emergency personnel and call for help to decide the best course of action.
Drivers have been advised to keep emergency kits on hand, which include clothes, blankets, food, water and other essential supplies.
Those on the roadways can check KanDrive for updates on highway conditions statewide.
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