December 21st-22nd winter storm

The First Day of Winter Hodgepodge Across Kansas

December 21-22, 2013

A moisture rich upper level system moved in from the southwest and continued a path to the northeast. There was a mixed bag or hodgepodge of precipitation through this event. Initially the event started with freezing rain across southeast and south central Kansas as well as into Oklahoma. This led to an accumulation of ice which caused damage to tree limbs and powerlines mainly in Oklahoma. Some minor tree limbs of ~3 inches in diameter were reported to be damaged in Montgomery County in southeast Kansas. Ice accumulations in Kansas ranged from a quarter of an inch up to three quarters of an inch. After the freezing rain, the precipitation tranisitioned to snow with cooler air during the late afternoon and evening. A wide range of snowfall amounts were reported; the highest totals were in Barton and Saline counties with values above 10 inches. This amount of snow fell in a relatively short period of time producing rates of approximately 3 inches an hour in some places.

Snowfall totals across the state. (Click to enlarge)

Ice Accumulations during the Winter Storm. (Click to enlarge)

Satellite image showing the snow in central and south central Kansas. Notice the quick drop off between no snow in Russell, KS and 13.5 inches in Great Bend. (Click to enlarge)

**Summary of Reports**

Pictures of the Snow & Ice

Ice accumulation on holiday lights in Neodesha. Photo courtesy of Lisa Michelle Marie Jamison.

Snowfall on patio furniture in Great Bend. Photo courtesy of Megan McMullen.

Sleet on the ground in Wichita. Photo courtesy of Beth Bowdoin.

Branches covered in ice in Caney. Photo courtesy of Pascal Van Schihndel.

Snowfall measurement in Salina. Photo courtesy of Carol via KWCH.

Winter wonderland in Harper where 5 inches of snow fell. Photo courtesy of Brian & Linda Ede via KWCH.

Snowfall in New Cambria (12inches). Photo courtesy of Ann McCall via KWCH.

First Snow Climatology

The official start of winter of 2013-2014 began with full force across Kansas. In Wichita, the average first measurable snow amount is 1.4 inches. On average, Wichita receives its first measurable snowfall on December 2nd. The earliest Wichita has received measurable snow is October 22nd, 1996 with 0.2 inches. The latest measurable snow was on March 5th, 1923.