Johnson County Government is bracing for a winter storm tonight. Freezing drizzle is expected to begin around midnight, with snowfall continuing through Friday, Dec. 22.

The National Weather Service predicts about 2-4 inches of snowfall, strong winds, blowing snow reducing visibility and bitter cold temperatures in Johnson County, making road conditions difficult.

Public Works crews have been preparing trucks and equipment today. They’ll begin working 12-hour shifts at 10 p.m. this evening. Snow is expected to start around midnight.

Night shift crews will work to keep main lines and thoroughfares open overnight. Day shift crews will take over at 6:30 a.m. They will continue to clear roads in the unincorporated parts of the county.

Roads will be monitored, along with the weather forecasts. Crews will continue to work 12-hour shifts until streets are clear.

We encourage residents to avoid driving during the storm. It will take some time to clear the roadways, and reduced traffic allows Public Works to move more quickly, helping everyone to stay safe.

Johnson County Facilities grounds crews will begin working early Thursday morning clearing the sidewalks at Johnson County buildings. Work will continue throughout the day. 

Johnson County Emergency Management, a division of Johnson County Emergency Services, is working closely with the National Weather Service to stay up to date on current and predicted conditions. Emergency Management is meeting regularly with Johnson County leaders to keep them informed as they make decisions about weather-related impacts to programs, services and facilities.

Closures, Cancellations and Delays

Current closures, cancellations and delays currently include the following: 

• Johnson County Aging and Human Services: Catch-a-Ride and Home Delivered Meals are canceled Thursday, Dec. 22. The congregate neighborhood centers are also closed.
• Johnson County Mental Health Center: Transportation services are canceled for Thursday, Dec. 22. Riders are being contacted. Friday service will operate as normal.
• Johnson County Park and Recreation District: For a complete list of cancellations/closures, visit jcprd.com/weather.
• Johnson County District Court: The courthouse will remain open. Limited staff will be available in the building.
• Johnson County Wastewater: The permit department will not be available for walk in activity Thursday, Dec. 22 and Friday, Dec. 23. Technicians and the Administrative Assistant will be available by phone at 913-715-8520 for assistance.
• RideKC: Visit RideKC.org for a complete list of impacts.

Warming Centers

Johnson County warming center options include the following:

• All 14 Library locations are warming centers during business hours. Libraries scheduled to open at 9 a.m. are opening at noon; Libraries scheduled to open at 1 p.m. are opening as usual. Edgerton Library will not be open. Residents can find a list of locations and individual hours at jocolibrary.org/locations or call 913-826-4600.
• RideKC: Johnson County will station a warming bus at the Mission Transit Center Thursday and Friday from 7 to 11 a.m. RideKC - Unified Government will open the Area Agency on Aging center at 47th & State Ave. for customers while they wait for their buses. RideKC Independence Transit Center is approximately one block away from the warming center at Sermon Community Center, 201 N. Dodgion St. Sermon Center will be open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
• The City of Overland Park has public places in many its buildings where people can come in during business hours and warm up if needed, including the City Hall lobby, 8500 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St, Overland Park, and Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell Ave, Overland Park. 
• The Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St., Merriam, can be used as a warming center during regular business hours.
• The Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway St. Mission, is available during regular business hours.

Limited staff may be available in Johnson County offices on Thursday Dec. 22, due to the winter weather. Longer wait times for some services can be expected. Check department webpages or call ahead for additional information. All Johnson County emergency and essential services will continue to be provided to the public.

Stay up to date on the latest Johnson County closures and cancellations at jocogov.org/snow. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook at @jocogov for updates. Check road conditions in Johnson County before heading out on Stormwatch.