January 3rd-4th Historic Ice Storm

January 2005 Historic Ice Storm

The ice storm that affected central and southern Kansas on January 3rd and 4th was the costliest ice storm in Kansas history!

Most of the area was coated with between a quarter and a half inch of ice with periods of sleet also reported. The damage to trees, power lines and power poles was so extensive that many areas in South Central Kansas were without power for 1 or 2 weeks. The winter storm caused an estimated $72 million damage across Kansas. Over 50,000 people were without power at one point in Sedgwick county according to Westar Energy. 56 counties across Kansas were declared disaster areas.

The precipitation turned to snow across central Kansas Tuesday night and south central Kansas Wednesday morning, in response to a reinforcing surge of arctic air. Gusty winds associated with this surge of cold air, further aggravated the icing problems.

Tree damage near the NWS Wichita forecast office which is on the southwest side of Wichita