Johnson County Government is bracing for this week’s winter storm, that’s expected to begin tonight, Feb. 1, and continue through Thursday, Feb. 3. The National Weather Service predicts snowfall estimates of 6-10 inches in Johnson County, with sub-zero wind chills expected to set in later this week. 

Public Works crews have been preparing trucks and equipment today. They’ll will work 12-hour shifts during this winter weather event, starting with the night shift crew that began at 6:30 p.m., this evening. Roads will be monitored, along with the weather forecasts, and crews will begin plowing and treating unincorporated Johnson County roads as necessary.

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

Johnson County Emergency Management and Communications, 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. EMC 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 currently include the following:  

• Johnson County Department of Health and Environment: For the safety of clients and staff, in-person clinical services and other walk-in and appointment-based programs and services, including COVID-19 drive-thru testing is cancelled for Wednesday, Feb. 2.
• Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services: Catch-a-Ride services, Home-Delivered Meals and nutrition centers (congregate sites) are canceled for Wednesday, Feb. 2. 
• Johnson County Mental Health Center: transportation services are cancelled for Wednesday, Feb. 2.
• Johnson County Park and Recreation District: For a complete list of cancellations/closures, visit jcprd.com/696/Rainouts-Temporary-Closures. When park roads are closed for safety reasons, walkways remain open.
• Johnson County District Court: All court hearings will be called as scheduled but conducted remotely by Zoom. Access Zoom information on the District Court website.
• RideKC: The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority announced this afternoon that RideKC passengers (including those traveling to, from and within Johnson County, utilizing fixed-route, RideKC Freedom paratransit, Micro Transit and RideKC Flex) should expect at least 30-minute travel delays. Visit RideKC.org for a complete list of impacts and a list of warming buses. 

Limited staff may be available in offices on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 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. 

The winter storm is expected to bring extreme cold. Johnson County Library’s 14 branches, if open, will serve as warming centers during regular business hours (check JoCoLibrary.org for operating status before visiting). Learn about additional warming centers in Johnson County.

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, @jocogov for updates. Check road conditions in Johnson County before heading out on Stormwatch.