KDOT, MDOT urge truckers to pull over if they can as icy snow plagues the area

Officials are urging all drivers to use extra caution this morning as icy snowfall creates treacherous driving conditions in Kansas and Missouri. 

A winter storm warning began across much of central Kansas and parts of western Missouri early on Thursday morning, February 17th. 

According to ABC 9, the storm has prompted multiple school closures, flight cancellations, suspended trash service, and caused numerous single-vehicle wrecks. No injuries or fatalities have been reported, but police are recommending drivers report minor wrecks at a later date, as officers are busy responding to incidents that need their immediate attention such as those involving injuries, undriveable vehicles, or substance abuse. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation is urging truckers traveling on ramps, curves, and hills to pull over and wait out the storm if possible, as many larger vehicles are getting stuck, blocking roadways and hampering the clearing of roads, reported ABC 9.

Snow is expected to fall throughout Kansas until around noon. Officials say accident reports continue to rise as traffic increases throughout the late morning, including a major backup on southbound Interstate 35 near Wichita. The majority of the wrecks reported have been slide-offs. Use caution if traveling through the area.