Topeka’s snowfall Sunday neared record highs.
Topeka received 14 inches of snow by 6 p.m. Sunday. That is the third largest snowfall Topeka has had after getting 15.2 inches on Jan. 9, 1993, and 17.3 inches of snow on Feb. 27, 1900, according to the National Weather Service.
At 5:30 p.m., the temperature was 17 degrees with a wind chill of -4 degrees and winds of 41 miles per hour from the north. Visibility was between 0.25 and 0.75 miles.
The Sunday night forecast called for snowfall ending about 7 p.m. and low temperature of -1 degrees with a wind chill between -3 and -13 degrees. Snow accumulation for Sunday night is estimated to be less than half an inch.
Monday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny weather. The high will near 17 degrees with a wind chill between -4 and -14 degrees, and a northwest wind of 5 to 10 miles per hour.
A blanket of snow covers downtown Topeka and Evergy Plaza on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
School closings in the Topeka area
Multiple school districts in the Topeka area cancelled classes for Monday due to weather conditions.
Hayden High School and Cair Paravel cancelled classes, along with Topeka USD 501, Seaman USD 345, Auburn-Washburn USD 437 and Silver Lake USD 372. Shawnee Heights USD 450 was already scheduled to be off.
AAA expecting a busy Monday
Shawn Steward, manager of public and government affairs at AAA Kansas, said the organization recently switched dispatch systems, so it couldn’t say for certain how many calls for service it had.
Steward said AAA responded to more than 20,000 calls January and February of last year.
“It’s usually a pretty busy season, lots of dead batteries, issues with tires, and then when you throw in the winter weather and the slippery roads like what we have now, then that increases the calls for crashes and slide-offs,” he said.
The bulk of crashes during winter weather actually come after the storm passes, Steward said.
“In general, at the height of storms, we generally see kind of a lull in calls as people stay off the roads as they’re directed to,” he said. “I would anticipate that we’ll have a very busy day on Monday.”
A snowplow with Shawnee County Public Works clears part of S.E. Sixth Avenue on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
Topeka administrators ask residents to keep cars off the road
Smaller trucks will start clearing residential roads this evening with the goal to make a one pass to provide means of accessing the neighborhoods. The city estimates that clearing all the city roads, including those in neighborhoods, will take two or three days.
“Our dedicated crews have been working around the clock to plow and treat roads,” said Daniel Garrett, city of Topeka communications director, in a written statement. “We have focused on arterials, collectors and hot spots. The ice and blizzard conditions have hampered our efforts.”
Garrett said the city won’t be able to properly plow as cars are parked on the streets, especially narrow roads.
“We kindly ask for the public’s patience as we work through this process,” Garrett said. “We want residents to to know that vehicles parked on the streets may make it difficult for our trucks to navigate or could result in snow being packed around them. We encourage residents to stay home and avoid driving if possible while crews work to clear the streets. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to make roads safe for everyone.”
A vehicle travels westbound on Interstate 70 as snow falls Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
Gas stations remained open
Brian Posler, executive director Fuel True, the statewide trade association that represent convenience stores and other petroleum industries, said most stores saw comparatively little traffic as customers stayed at home. Stores mostly have been able to remain open during the inclement weather.
“Only in the northeast corner are we getting any closures,” Posler said. “Our retailers take that mission very seriously, and we try our best to meet the needs of customers. And you know, in some small towns, we might be the only grocery store, the only option for folks, and so we really try our best to stay open.”
In Topeka, several convenience stores owned by Haag Oil Company closed at 5 p.m. rather than the typical closing time.
“They decided it just wasn’t gonna be safe for the employees and folks, so they decided to go ahead and close,” Posler said.
Warming stations keep Topekans warm during the harsh weather
Topeka Rescue Mission executive director La Manda Broyles said the warming shelters have received more than 85 people and 20 animals. She said 270 people are staying at the rescue mission.
“The Warming Centers are full of needs, challenges, but most of all full of volunteers bringing compassion, respect, and hope,” Broyles said in a written statement. “So, many guests of the warming centers are sharing their stories, taking next steps towards healing and overall grateful to be alive!
“Many guests are helping volunteer themselves as a way to show their gratitude for the kindness of our community. Some guests are utilizing the Warming Centers for safety and rest and this step alone shows courage and success.”
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Where Topeka’s 14 inches of snow ranks in city’s recorded history