By Chris Durden KWCH 12 Eyewitness News KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

3:47 p.m. CST, December 18, 2012
(WICHITA, Kan.)—

The season's first big snowstorm is forecast to blow into western Kansas beginning Wednesday.

Blizzard Warnings are in effect for extreme northwest Kansas along the Nebraska and Colorado borders.

Blizzard Watches are in place for nearly all of southwest Kansas. Winter Storm Watches and Warnings are in place for north-central and northeastern Kansas into Missouri.

Forecasters expect snow to begin falling in western Kansas sometime early Wednesday and spread eastward throughout the day. Accumulations are expected to vary widely, with some places getting only an inch or two and others up to six inches.

Strong winds are expected in most of these areas, leading to the possibility of blizzard conditions.

Authorities recommend you have enough food, water, medications and other necessities to last at least three days should conditions deteriorate. Keep flashlights on hand with plenty of batteries. Have an emergency weather radio and monitor it. And don’t forget your pet when stocking your emergency kit.

Make sure you have plenty of wood for your fireplace or invest in a safe alternative heat source, such as a propane heater.

Recommended items to include in a basic home emergency supply kit may be found online at http://www.ksready.gov and include the following:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit/ prescription medicines
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Pet food and supplies (if applicable).

Recommended items to include in a vehicle emergency kit include:

  • Windshield scraper and small broom
  • Flashlight
  • Battery powered radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Water
  • Snack food
  • Matches
  • Extra hats, socks and mittens
  • First aid kit with pocket knife
  • Necessary medications
  • Blanket(s)
  • Tow chain or rope
  • Road salt and sand
  • Booster cables
  • Emergency flares
  • Fluorescent distress flag
  • Local maps

You can monitor road conditions by calling 511 or going to http://511.ksdot.org . If outside the state, call 1-866-511-5368 to get local road conditions.

Additional preparation information for winter weather is available at the following websites: