Kansas City officials have implemented both phases of the city’s snow ordinance Friday morning in response to the Christmas snowstorm that moved through the area.
Under the ordinance, drivers who do not have snow tires or chains on their vehicles can be ticketed if they get stuck on a major thoroughfare. Also, cars parked on designated snow routes can be ticketed.
“Both phases went into effect this morning primarily because of the blowing snow,” said Dennis Gagnon, a spokesman for Kansas City’s Public Works Department. “Once we plow, it blows right back over it. Until that wind eases up, it will be an ongoing challenge.”
Crews didn’t start plowing the residential neighborhoods until this morning. Normally, the crews work 12 hours, starting at 6 or 7 a.m. They try to create a passable lane, Gagnon said.
“I think for most people, it would be best to minimize the trips that they make outside today,” Gagnon said.
Temperatures have dropped, limiting the effect that salt is having on the packed snow. Because of the lack of traffic, the salt also is not being mixed in well and any moisture is bonding really tight to the pavement, Gagnon said.
“We will be slower getting out of this one than other storms,” Gagnon said.
About five to 11 inches of snow fell across Kansas City, Gagnon said. But with the winds, snow has drifted. He said people should be patient, especially with temperatures expected to remain cold for the next several days. He said there is a good chance for refreezing to occur.
“It is a good day for people to lay low and enjoy a nice quiet Christmas,” Gagnon said.
Kansas Department of Transportation spokeswoman Kimberly Qualls agreed.
“Most of the west part of northeast Kansas has been removed from the blizzard warning, but we still remain under a winter weather advisory,” Qualls said. “However, we are going to struggle all day long and into this evening getting roads cleared.”
Some roadways are clear in areas, but then are covered with packed or drifting snow in other areas.
“We are still encouraging people not to get out,” Qualls said. “Stay home and enjoy Christmas. For those who do need to travel, take it slow and allow extra time.”
She said people can get the latest road conditions at www.kandrive.org, which has links to other websites.
“Pretty much if you are leaving anywhere in northeast Kansas or the Kansas City metropolitan area, you will drive through some type of snow-packed roadways,” she said.
Meanwhile, numerous flights were cancelled or delayed at Kansas City International Airport. Many of the cancellations Friday morning were the result of inbound flights being canceled last night, said Justin Meyer, a KCI spokesman.
“The airport never closed,” Meyer said. “Carriers chose not to fly flights in, resulting in the morning cancellations.”
A lot of flights from the mid-morning and beyond were on time, Meyer said.
“We are open for business,” Meyer said. Still, he suggested people plan plenty of time getting to the airport. He said most interstates have a single lane cleared, but exit ramps and flyovers may be snow packed.
For those who can’t make their travel plans because of the weather, most carriers are waiving change fees. Travelers should contact their airlines as soon as possible for details, Meyer said
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