Governor declares disaster emergency for Kansas counties
hit by winter storm

A significant winter storm in Kansas has prompted Governor Kathleen Sebelius to declare a state of disaster emergency for South central, Southeast and Northeast Kansas to ensure resources are available to counties severely affected by the storm which began Nov. 29.  Heavy snow is forecast for Nov. 30 for areas south of I-70 to the Oklahoma border and east of I-35 to the Missouri line.  

“Winter is definitely here,” Sebelius said.  “We want local communities to be able to respond quickly and effectively to the storm, which is why we’ll be providing state resources to help their response.”

Kansas Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center Nov. 29 in anticipation of the storm which began that afternoon with freezing rain, sleet, snow, high winds and temperatures below freezing. The conditions deteriorated throughout the night in some areas of the state and are expected to worsen today and tonight.

Some South central and Southeast Kansas counties, including Harper, Neosho, Sedgwick and Woodson, have reported significant snowfall and drifting over the highways with the potential to impact electrical power. Northeast Kansas counties, including Douglas, Leavenworth and Osage, have reported significant icing and snow.

The governor’s declaration allows for additional state resources to be provided to counties responding to the storm. It also expedites the restoration of electrical power by resolving issues related to additional hours of service needed by employees serving in response roles.

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