Blowing Snow, Slick Spots Create Problems on Area Highways
(KNZA/AP)--Blowing snow and slick spots have made driving difficult along U.S. 36 in northeast Kansas.
A short portion of the highway from Wathena east to the Missouri border was closed Thursday morning because motorists were sliding off the road. But the Kansas Department of Transportation reported that by mid-morning, all roads in northeast Kansas were open.
All Star Travel Plaza employee Joetta Wagoner says she slid off the highway twice early Thursday, trying to get to work at the truck stop at the junction of U.S. 36 and U.S. 73 in Hiawatha. She was coming in because two managers couldn't get in.
She said only a couple of inches of snow fell, but wind created white-out conditions, preventing people from seeing anything.
Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is reporting numerous slide offs throughout the county.
During the morning, Merchant says such incidents occurred in numerous locations along U.S. Highway 75. Various areas of of U.S. Highway 73 incurred slide-offs, as did K-20, and 330th Road, as well as 290th Road near Sabetha.
Merchant says despite an estimated two dozen plus slide-offs, no injuries have been reported.
He continues to urge motorists to avoid travel, unless needed, as some of the morning slide-offs were motorists simply wanting to see the conditions, with no particular destination for their travels.
If driving, Merchant says to take it slow and allow extra time along the slick roadways.
© Associated Press and Brian Hagen
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Severe storms move through NE KS
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Commission approves agreement for budget help
LATEST STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Nemaha NRD honoring Stewardship Week
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Peru State faculty member to be honored
Nebraska Primary Election reminders
Severe storms move through NE KS
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS prepares for severe weekend weather