Winter Storm — Cowley, Kansas

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

Event narrative

A wintry mix of light to moderate sleet and freezing rain affected the county from the mid morning hours on the 27th through 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 1 to 4 inches, highest over western and northern portions of the county. Additionally, ice accumulated one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch countywide due to freezing rain. Snowfall accumulations on top of the sleet and ice ranged from 1 to 3 inches, heaviest over western and northern portions of the county, where stout north to northeast winds resulted in some blowing snow and reduced visibilities during the morning hours on the 28th. The weight of the ice in concert with the wind downed numerous tree limbs across the county, along with some power lines and power poles. A 1250-foot radio tower collapsed near Winfield due to the weight of the ice. Power outages were numerous countywide.

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 159484. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.