Kansas City, January 16, 2026
Kansas City snow crews began treating the roads to combat expected icy conditions caused by a winter storm. Crews will be working in 12-hour shifts throughout the weekend to ensure safety as residents brace for below-freezing temperatures and potential slick roads. Citizens are advised to monitor local resources for updates and travel cautiously over the weekend.
Kansas City
Kansas City Crews Actively Treating Roads Ahead of Icy Weekend
Kansas City snow crews commenced treating roads on Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, in anticipation of a winter weather event expected to bring snow and ice to the region. The city announced that crews would work continuously through the weekend, operating in 12-hour shifts until Sunday, January 18, 2026, to address potentially icy road conditions. Residents should prepare for below-freezing temperatures and possible slick roads as the wintry mix is forecast to begin Friday afternoon and persist into the evening, with icy conditions possibly extending into Saturday.
Weekend Weather Outlook
The forecast for Kansas City indicates a chilly weekend with a mix of snow and cold temperatures. On Friday, January 16, 2026, light snow is expected during the day, transitioning to partly cloudy skies at night, with a 20-25% chance of snow. Temperatures are predicted to range between 18°F (-8°C) and 41°F (5°C). Moving into Saturday, January 17, 2026, the weather will be partly cloudy with a lower, 5% chance of snow, and significantly colder temperatures between 10°F (-12°C) and 20°F (-7°C). By Sunday, January 18, 2026, mostly cloudy conditions are expected with a 10% chance of snow during the day, as temperatures rise to between 15°F (-9°C) and 42°F (6°C). The cold weather makes proactive road treatment crucial for maintaining safe travel conditions.
Impact on City Services and Resident Information
To facilitate comprehensive ice control efforts, bulky item pickup appointments scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026, have been canceled. Residents with Friday appointments will have their items collected later this weekend. However, trash and recycling pickup services are expected to continue on their normal schedule.
Residents are encouraged to utilize city resources for real-time updates and to report concerns. The Kansas City Snow Plow Map is available for tracking when specific areas were last plowed. For reporting slick spots or other snow and ice-related issues, the myKCMO app is the recommended tool. To ensure efficient route completion, residents are asked to wait 24 hours after snowfall ceases before reporting slick spots via the app. For assistance with city services, the 311 service can provide support in multiple languages.
Kansas City’s Comprehensive Snow Response Plan
Kansas City has a well-established snow response strategy, emphasizing proactive measures and efficient operations. The city’s Public Works department stocks essential materials months in advance, including 36,500 tons of regular salt, 11,000 tons of “Ice Ban” (magnesium chloride, known for its effectiveness at lower temperatures), 51,000 gallons of salt brine, and 26,000 gallons of calcium chloride. Additional reserves are also maintained to ensure sustained operations.
The city’s Snow Team comprises employees from various city departments and is equipped with over 300 trucks designed to cover 103 plow routes, spanning more than 6,000 lane miles. Drivers undergo training in October to ensure safe equipment operation and effective use of the internal plow tracking system.
Pre-treatment efforts involve applying salt or liquid salt brine to roads before storms to prevent snow and ice from bonding with the pavement, making subsequent plowing more effective. During a storm, the Snow Team prioritizes ice control, often employing tandem plowing on wide, multi-lane arterial streets to clear roads efficiently in a single pass. The entire operation is managed through a state-of-the-art Snow Command Center, which uses custom routing technology and digital plow route management software to enhance accountability, efficiency, and safety. Following a snowfall, the city’s goal is to complete a full pass of every street within 24 hours of the snow ending.
Current Road and Traffic Conditions
As of Friday, January 16, 2026, no traffic incidents directly related to the snow event have been reported in the Kansas City area. However, some ongoing lane closures and ramp closures are in effect on southbound US-69 in Overland Park between 103rd Street and 135th Street for pavement work, and on EB I-435/U.S. 69 for tunnel maintenance. These are general road maintenance and construction activities and are not specifically tied to the current winter weather preparations.
Travel Advisory for Kansas City Residents
With the forecast of snow, ice, and cold temperatures throughout the weekend, residents are advised to exercise caution if traveling. Given the ongoing road treatment efforts and potential for slippery conditions, planning travel carefully and allowing extra time for commutes is recommended. Stay informed about changing weather and road conditions through official city channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did Kansas City snow crews begin treating roads?
Kansas City snow crews began treating roads on Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, in anticipation of a winter weather event.
How long will Kansas City snow crews be working?
Kansas City snow crews will work continuously through the weekend, operating in 12-hour shifts until Sunday, January 18, 2026.
What is the weather forecast for Kansas City this weekend (January 16-18, 2026)?
On Friday, January 16, 2026, light snow is expected during the day with a 20-25% chance of snow and temperatures between 18°F and 41°F. Saturday, January 17, 2026, will be partly cloudy with a 5% chance of snow and temperatures between 10°F and 20°F. Sunday, January 18, 2026, is forecast to be mostly cloudy with a 10% chance of snow during the day and temperatures between 15°F and 42°F.
Will bulky item pickup be affected in Kansas City this weekend?
Yes, bulky item pickup for Friday, January 16, 2026, has been canceled. Residents with Friday appointments will have their items collected later this weekend.
Will trash and recycling pickup be affected in Kansas City this weekend?
No, trash and recycling pickup services are expected to continue on their normal schedule.
How can residents check the status of snow plowing in their area?
Residents can check the Kansas City Snow Plow Map for updates on when their area was last plowed.
How can residents report slick spots on roads?
Residents can report slick spots using the myKCMO app. They are asked to wait 24 hours after snowfall ceases before reporting to prioritize efficient route completion.
What resources does Kansas City have for snow removal?
Kansas City has 36,500 tons of regular salt, 11,000 tons of “Ice Ban,” 51,000 gallons of salt brine, and 26,000 gallons of calcium chloride. The Snow Team has over 300 trucks covering 103 plow routes spanning over 6,000 lane miles.
Key Features of Kansas City’s Snow Response
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Crew Deployment | Crews are working 24 hours a day in 12-hour shifts from Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Sunday, January 18, 2026. |
| Pre-Treatment Strategy | Roads are pre-treated with salt or liquid salt brine to prevent ice adhesion. |
| Materials Stocked | 36,500 tons of regular salt, 11,000 tons of “Ice Ban” (magnesium chloride), 51,000 gallons of salt brine, and 26,000 gallons of calcium chloride. |
| Equipment and Coverage | Over 300 trucks covering 103 plow routes, spanning more than 6,000 lane miles. |
| Post-Storm Goal | Complete a full pass of every street within 24 hours after snowfall ends. |
| Resident Communication | Kansas City Snow Plow Map for tracking, myKCMO app for reporting slick spots (after 24 hours post-snow), and 311 for general inquiries. |
| Specialized Techniques | Tandem plowing on wide arterial streets for efficient clearing. |
| Technology Utilization | State-of-the-art Snow Command Center, custom routing, and digital plow route management software. |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
