KANSAS CITY, Mo. — 8:30 a.m. | Snow has moved into much of the Kansas City area and could worsen road conditions.
The snow has become more widespread over the last 30 minutes! The light, fine snow lingers into the afternoon resutling in an additional dusting-1″ around KC, higher totals east! pic.twitter.com/XSnxRQIt7l
— Lindsey Anderson (@lnanderson) February 15, 2021
8:15 a.m. | A five-vehicle crash closed U.S. 71 northbound at 22nd Street. Icy roads were reported in the area.
71 HWY NB AT 22ND ST is CLOSED https://t.co/zqJdLTm65M
— Daisha Jones (@DaishaJonesKSHB) February 15, 2021
7:18 a.m. | Kansas City hit a temperature of -10 degrees. with a wind chill of -32 degrees, nearly breaking a 1989 record.
KCI is now reporting -32° F wind chill, this is the lowest wind chill calculated at KCI since 12/23/1989. Please, please, bundle up if you have to be out this morning. #KC
— NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) February 15, 2021
ORIGINAL STORY | Kansas City, and much of the nation, faces record-breaking and dangerous cold Monday.
The high temperature in Kansas City is around 0 degrees with wind chills between 20 and 30 degrees below zero, prompting a wind chill advisory. There is also light snow possible throughout the day with accumulations up to 1 inch.
The record low for Feb. 15 was -6 degrees and was set in 1936. A new record low for the date was set Monday morning with a temperature of -8 degrees.
New record low set this morning & more will be in jeopardy through tomorrow! https://t.co/YEteliwbEi
— Lindsey Anderson (@lnanderson) February 15, 2021
To put that in perspective, Kansas City has only experienced a forecast with a high of 0 degrees or lower 25 times in recorded history, according to the National Weather Service. The last time it was this cold was 1989.
Okay, as of now, we’re forecasting a high of 0° F for #KC. If this holds or goes lower, it will be only the 25th time in recorded KC history our high was 0°F or lower. The Last time we had a high temp less than 0°, was 12/22/1989, when the high reached -8° F.
— NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) February 15, 2021
The cold temperatures will prove to be extremely dangerous for people who have to go outside. Kansas City area jurisdictions have provided warming centers, shelters and other resources for those experiencing homelessness or who are in need of some help.
RELATED: Winter weather resources in the Kansas City metro
Many school districts have Monday off for President’s Day, but many schools that were supposed to operate switched learning mode or canceled classes due to the dangerous weather conditions.
RELATED: School closings and delays
Anyone who has to make a morning commute should use caution and prepare for the cold. Drivers should have blankets and other emergency cold items in their vehicles in case of a breakdown.
Road temperatures were -3 degrees as of 5:30 a.m. and drivers should watch for patches of black ice as snow continues to blow around.
MORNING COMMUTE: For those headed out the door this morning our road temps are -3.
Be on the lookout for snow, ice & black ice. Give yourself 5-10 extra min.
One crash so far, 4 stalled vehicles.@41ActionNews @DaishaJonesKSHB pic.twitter.com/vza3svR9hj— 41 Traffic Now (@41TrafficNow) February 15, 2021
Not only is it dangerous for people to be outside, but it’s also extremely dangerous for pets.
If possible, all pets should be brought inside homes and out of the cold. If not possible, dog houses should be insulated and packed with straw or another insulator, and access to non-frozen water should be available. Outdoor walks should be limited.
The State of Kansas issued a state of emergency because of the cold to expand resources for those who need them.
Energy companies are asking customers to conserve energy because of the extreme cold by lowering thermostat temperatures, unplugging unused devices and avoiding extended use of gas fireplaces.
The dangerous conditions will continue into Tuesday.