Winter Storm in Atchison, Kansas

During the day on December 29, a potent winter storm moved into the area. The precipitation started as primarily snow during the morning hours producing a couple inches of accumulation, but switched to freezing rain just before 10 am as warm air aloft moved over the area. Moderate, to at times heavy rain ensued through the rest of the morning and early to middle afternoon hours, before eventually moving out by the evening hours. The main impact from this storm was 10,000 to 20,000 without power in and around the area. Due to the rain rates, not all of the nearly 1 inch of liquid precipitation accreted on surfaces, but a quarter to half inch did accrete, causing a significant disruption to the power, and closing numerous roads.

A strong system ejected eastward into the central part of the country just after Christmas. While the temperatures at the surface remained well below freezing, temperatures just off the surface remained warm enough to melt any ice that was produced in the cloud. Therefore, there was freezing rain that formed, generally along the HWY 36 corridor, producing numerous power outages and causing several vehicle accidents.