Winter Storm

It is BEEEAUTIFUL out there this morning!!! Here in Leoti, we received a few inches of snow during the night. It began snowing at around 11:00. I do not know how much we have received so far but it is enough that our herd was reluctant to go outdoors at first. LOL! The snow is still coming down.

I just read another report from the National Weather Service out of Goodland. The upper few counties in Northwest Kansas have now been dropped from the Winter Weather Warning to a Winter Weather Advisory. Still, they should expect 3-5" of snow.

Greeley and Wichita Counties are still in the Winter Weather Warning. Here, we should expect 6-8 inches of snow. Scott County and Southwest Kansas are predicted to receive 5-9 inches.

This storm has come up from the Four Corners region--New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. Oftimes, that is where we get our most potent snow storms. I, for one, am VERY thankful for this and all of the moisture it is bringing to us!!! I cannot think of one farmer in our area who would not be happy to be getting all of this!

School in Wichita County was cancelled early in the morning. I am very happy that that motion was made. Our kids do not need to be out in weather like this! We always need to be mindful of the bus that was stuck in a snowstorm in Eastern Colorado a few decades back. Practically everyone on that bus that day perished. And, Folks, it could happen again. There is never any reason to tempt fate. At least not in my opinion...

I would definitely recommend that BEFORE you strike out today on the highways and country roads, that you do major checking to see how the roads are reported to be. And then, if it is still necessary for you to be out there, pack plenty of provisions including water, food, blankets, flashlights, etc. Before you leave, make sure that you have a full tank of gas. Again, I recommend that people carry a 1-pound metal coffee can in their vehicle where they can get to it easily. Have a roll of toilet paper, a bottle of alcohol and matches or a flamed cigarette lighter. If you are stranded, pour the alcohol throughout the t.p. and light it. The heat will continue to escape the can for several hours. (There will be no flame.)

If you have loved ones out there, try to refrain from calling their cellphones. I have received word that the roads in our area are still passable but very dangerous. Let them call you when they come to a stopping point.

Enjoy this beautiful winter weather! Chances are that this will be our last major snowstorm for this Winter. Of course, I could be wrong. We've been known to have major snows in April here.

Key Words: BE CAREFUL!!!

VLE-B