Powerful storm bringing high winds, blowing snow

A potent spring storm system will continue to bring periods of rain late Tuesday evening before high winds and blowing snow develop into early Wednesday morning.

Multiple alerts have been issued across the region as high winds are anticipated to result in scattered power outages, and blowing snow is likely to make travel treacherous.

A High Wind Warning will be in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, until 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, for all of Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas. Sustained winds of between 30 and 45 mph are expected through the period, with gusts up to 70 mph. In addition to scattered power outages and tree damage, high winds will make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

A Blizzard Warning is in effect for all of Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas from 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, to 6 a.m. Wednesday, March 5. High winds and moderate to heavy snow could result in whiteout conditions from the Kansas City metro northward to the Missouri-Iowa border.

Snow accumulations of up to 3 inches are forecast along and north of the Highway 36 corridor, with up to 2 inches of snow expected south of Highway 36 and north of Interstate 70. In addition to reduced visibility caused by blowing snow, road conditions are likely to become slippery Wednesday morning.