CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. – The Central Jackson County Emergency Management Agency (CJCEMA) has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 8 a.m. this morning in response to blizzard warning for the Jackson County area.
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for Kansas City metro from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday. Heavy snow is expected to begin falling this morning. The snow is projected to taper off late Tuesday night and end Wednesday morning. Snow accumulations between 8 and 14 inches are forecasted through Wednesday morning, with the highest accumulations in the southeast suburbs.
Along with the snow, winds of 35-40 miles per hour and wind chills of below zero can be expected over the next 48 hours. The National Weather Service warns that poor visibility and white out conditions are expected and to avoid travel if possible.
Due to this warning from the National Weather Service, CJCEMA personnel urge people to stay home and not venture out in this dangerous storm. Emergency service staffing levels have been increased to meet the anticipated higher than normal emergency incident response and the potential for slower response times due to blizzard conditions.
These extreme conditions create a strong possibility of power outages. Residents are cautioned to never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line. Assume any downed power line is energized. If you see a downed power line, call KCP&L immediately at 1-800-LIGHTKC (1-888-544-4852).
Grain Valley’s City Hall will be closed as a result of the inclement weather, but a 24-hour hotline has been established for residents. Grain Valley residents can call (816) 847-6200 if the have any concerns during the storm.
Lake Tapawingo’s City Hall will also be closed due to the inclement weather; residents can call (816) 308-0435 if they have any concerns during the storm.
Blue Springs’ City Hall will be open and residents can call the 24-hour snow removal hotline at (816) 228-0295 to learn the latest information on the City’s snow removal process. Updates will also be available on the City’s Web site and social media outlets. Residents are encouraged to follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BlueSpringsGov or become "fans" of the City's Facebook page by logging onto www.facebook.com and searching for the City of Blue Springs, Mo. Links to both sites can be found by visiting the City’s Web site at www.bluespringsgov.com.
The CJCEMA is an emergency management agency consisting of the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, the City of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo and surrounding unincorporated areas. The EOC is located at the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District’s Training Facility and brings together representatives from Police, Fire, Public Works and Emergency Management agencies.
CJCEMA staff will continue to monitor the developing winter weather situation and updated information will be released from the Emergency Operations Center as it becomes available.
###