Governor declares disaster emergency for additional Kansas
counties hit by winter storm; KHP to Conduct Aerial Observation

Significant snowfall in South Central, Southeast and Northeast Kansas has prompted Governor Kathleen Sebelius to declare a state of disaster emergency for two additional counties, Harper and Leavenworth. On Thursday, Nov. 30, Governor Sebelius issued a declaration for 28 counties* hit by the storm beginning Wednesday, Nov. 29 in an area south of I-70 to the Oklahoma border and east of I-35 to the Missouri line.

“It’s critical we continue keeping a close eye on our communities as storms move through our state,” said Sebelius. “I’m encouraged by the preparedness and response thus far and urge people to continue their efforts.”

The Kansas Highway Patrol is conducting aerial observation over the counties affected by the storm to determine if any motorists are stranded, assess road conditions and other damage.

“The use of aircraft for observation is allowing the highway patrol to see into areas not visible by patrol car and quickly cover multiple counties in an effort to save lives,” said Col. William Seck, Superintendent of Kansas Highway Patrol. “We are glad to have this asset to assist our state and local partners in this time of need.” 

The governor’s emergency declaration ensures state resources are available to areas severely affected by 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.

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 additional snowfall left some counties with approximately two feet of snow, as well as drifting snow up to nearly 4 feet, making many roadways impassable.

*The counties in the initial disaster included:  Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Douglas, Elk, Franklin, Greenwood, Johnson, Labette, Linn, Lyon, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, Osage, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Sumner, Wilson, Woodson and Wyandotte.

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