Winter Storm — Butler, Kansas

2009-03-27 to 2009-03-28 · Butler, Kansas

Event narrative

A wintry mix of light to moderate sleet and freezing rain affected the county from mid morning on the 27th into the overnight hours, and into the early morning hours on the 28th. The wintry mix eventually changed over to all snow from west to east during the morning hours on the 28th, and persisted into the afternoon hours. Sleet accumulations ranged from 2 to 4 inches countywide, along with widespread ice accumulations of one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch due to freezing rain. Snowfall accumulations on top of the sleet and ice ranged from 1 to 5 inches, heaviest over western portions of the county, where stout north to northeast winds resulted in some blowing and drifting of snow. Unfortunately, a 22-year-old man was critically injured when the motorcycle he was driving hit a snow embankment on Highway 54 a few miles east of Andover. At least six other weather-related automobile accident injuries occurred across the county as well. The weight of the ice caused widespread tree damage, and numerous power poles and lines were downed as well, resulting in thousands of power outages. Additionally, various roofs (mainly flat-topped) sustained at least partial damage due to the weight of the ice, sleet and snow. The El Dorado Times, Augusta Daily Gazette, Rose Hill Reporter and Wichita Eagle contributed to this report.

Wider weather episode

A late season winter storm of record breaking proportions struck central, south-central and southeast Kansas March 27-28, 2009. Heavy snow with blizzard conditions affected much of central and south-central Kansas, with accumulations exceeding 18 inches for some locations. Numerous buildings with mainly flat-topped roofs received various degrees of roof damage, some of which was rather extensive due to the weight of the heavy, wet snow. Many travelers became stranded due to the deep snow and blizzard conditions, some of which needed rescue by the National Guard. Meanwhile, sleet and freezing rain was the main culprit farther east across portions of south-central, east-central and southeast Kansas. Sleet accumulations up to 4 inches and ice accumulations up to three-quarters of an inch downed numerous trees, tree limbs, power poles and power lines, causing tens of thousands of power outages. The snow packed and icy roads aided in an uncountable number of auto accidents areawide. Two fatalities were attributed to the winter storm, with several injuries, most of which were due to auto accidents.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 159481. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.