Unexpected snow hits county
A "sneak attack" snowstorm Thursday dumped between one to six inches of snow in the Marion County area causing numerous accidents including a truck-train collision and another that left the city of Florence without heat for several hours.
Snow flurries began falling in Marion around noon. Throughout the afternoon, snow fall varied in intensity from near white-out conditions to flurries, tapering off by early evening.
One-inch of snow was reported at Marion Reservoir, according to the local corps of engineers office. Florence reported four-inches of snow, Peabody had three-inches, and Hillsboro reported one, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita.
The snowstorm blanketed the Wichita area and moved northeast across the state tracking up the Kansas Turnpike, according to meteorologists.
The storm was a surprise to citizens and meteorologists alike. The forecast for the day after Christmas was for mostly cloudy skies.
"It kind of surprised us. The forecast the day before called for nothing," said meteorologist Bruce Wightman with the NWS in Wichita.
The snowfall quickly accumulated in Marion County causing slick roadways. Road crews with the Kansas Department of Transportation were out de-icing, sanding and cleaning road surfaces.
"We forget how to drive on snow," said Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker. "if it snows during the evening, we slow down and take it easy. If it happens during the day while we're at work, we keep on going like the roads are clear."
The ice caused a Florence man to hit a train, although he wasn't hurt.
Orvill Vannocker, Florence, was driving a vehicle on Wagon Wheel south of U.S. 50 when he approached a railroad track. Seeing the train, he applied the brakes, but was unable to stop due to icy road conditions, and the vehicle slid into the path of a Burlington Northern-Santa Fe locomotive, Becker said.
The front and left side of the truck was damaged.
County dispatchers received numerous calls of vehicles in the ditch; however, there were no vehicle fatalities, Becker said.
As of Friday, meteorologists with the National Weather Service had removed a forecast of snow from the seven day forecast, meteorologist Wightman said. However, he felt there was a "limited chance" of snow for New Year's Day.
With the onset of winter weather, it's important to make special preparations before traveling, Becker said.
Among the suggestions are:
— Keep gas tanks and window-washer reservoirs full. (Make sure to use a winter mixture, because the summer mixture can freeze).
— Have some added weight over the drive wheels of the vehicle for traction. Becker said he uses water softener salt.
— Make sure tires are inflated properly.
— Have an ice scraper and snow shovel handy, along with kitty litter or something similar to provide traction in case one gets stuck.
— Pack extra clothing or blankets, as well as keeping some snacks on board.
— Check the exhaust system and make sure it is functioning correctly making sure the tailpipe is not pumping carbon monoxide into the vehicle.
— Check road conditions before venturing out by calling 1-800-585-7623, the Kansas road condition hot line or the web at www.kanroad.com
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