By CRISTNA JANNEY
Hays Post
The latest snowfall predictions from the National Weather Service in Dodge City have Hays receiving between 4 and 7 inches of snow this weekend.
The weather service office in Goodland has forecast lower snowfall amounts to the north and west portions of the state, with Colby in the three to five inch snowfall range and Goodland and St. Francis in the two to four inch range.
A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. today until 6 a.m. Sunday for Hays and the surrounding area.
The snowfall is expected to come in two rounds: the first on Friday night, with more snow on Saturday, according to the weather service.
The National Weather Service recommends if you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing, the weather service urges.
Also take water, a first-aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded, the weather service said.
All of Kansas is forecast to have frigid temperatures throughout the weekend.
Monday mornings and wind chills could also be as cold as -20.
A cold weather advisory is in effect for Hays and the surrounding area untill noon on Sunday.
Wind chills as cold as -21 degrees are expected.
The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.
Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves, the weather service urged.
Watch the Hays Post for weather updates, road closures, and cancellations and delays.