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Snow Team Responding to Severe Winter Storm

Staff members working to keep Kansas City safe, roads clear

Post Date:01/23/2026 4:15 PM

For immediate release: Friday, January 23, 2026

Kansas City’s Snow Team stands ready to address a significant winter storm that’s expected to impact the region from Friday, January 23, through Sunday, January 25. Crews started pre-treating roads with liquid salt-brine earlier in the week and will shift to 24/7 plowing once snow starts to fall. With up to 8 inches of snow in the forecast for the weekend, residents are asked to stay off the roads if possible and to prepare accordingly. 

Staying Connected and Reporting Issues 

There are several ways you can stay up to date on winter weather impacts:  

The myKCMO Mobile and Web app make it easy to report concerns such as downed trees, track snowplow routes and stay connected with the most recent updates. Residents are now able to report areas of concern, like slick spots, on the myKCMO app. In order to prioritize route completion, residents are asked to wait until 24-hours after snow stops falling to report slick spots.

graphic encouraging users to download the myKCMO application

311 is able to provide assistance with city services in any language. Simply send an email . A 311 Customer Service Specialist will reply to your email within 24–48 business hours. 

Impacts to Solid Waste Services

graphic detailing that trash and recycling services are cancelled on January 24th due to winter weather

Trash and Recycling:

  • Collection will be cancelled on Saturday, January 24.
  • Residents with a Friday collection date will be able to set out two (2) extra bags without trash tags on Friday, January 30.
  • Collection will take place on Friday, January 23.
  • Kansas City Recycling drop-off centers will be closed on Friday, January 23 due to dangerous temperatures. 

Bulky Item Pickup:  

  • Appointments for Saturday, January 24 are cancelled and will be rescheduled for Friday, January 30
  • If desired, you can cancel your bulky appointment through the myKCMO app, by calling 816-513-BULK, or contacting 311.
  • After cancelling your appointment, you can schedule a new bulky appointment on this webpage or contact 311

Zero KC Extreme Weather Plan

graphic detailing the updated 2025 through 2026 Extreme Weather Plan

If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay during the extreme cold, help is available. The City and its partners provide 931 shelter beds across eight locations. Shelter locations depend on the current temperature: 

Always open in winter (790 beds total): 

Opens at 25°F (-4°C): 

Opens at 10°F (-12°C): 

Visit the Zero KC website or the Snow webpage for more information about shelter options, other warming options and opportunities for free transportation.  

Community Center Warming 

graphic that says that all of the Parks and Rec department-run Community Centers are open to serve as warming centers during winter weather

All of Kansas City’s Community Centers provide warming center access during normal operating hours:  

  • Warming centers are a free resource that are limited to the lobby areas only.
  • You can view Community Center options and hours of operations online.
  • Day passes are available for recreational access - such as the gym, workout areas, indoor pools, and more. This is a great temporary solution to getting out of the cold. 

How to Be Prepared 

Snow Plan 2025_Pipe Safety

Winter storms may housebound our residents, knock out the power, or worse, strand individuals in our vehicles. Stay prepared with an emergency kit for the car, work, and home to avoid anxiety, discomfort, and even danger.  

  • Keep a thin water flow from faucets along exterior walls at sub 32 degrees 
  • Disconnect external hoses. 
  • Identify water shut-off valve in case of emergency. 

Be informed before the storm so you have a plan, and visit KC Water for more information. You can also find more safety tips and advice online

Aviation Updates 

Airfields, airport roadways, and sidewalks at the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and Kansas City Downtown Airport have been treated to prepare for winter weather. Travelers should keep an eye on their flight status via their airline's website or app as well as FLYKC.com

  • How is Kansas City International airport preparing for the snow?
  • Extra crews are on hand as of today (January 23). 
  • With the snow expected to be dry and powdery, operations staff’s main focus will be on keeping the runways and taxiways clear. 
  • MCI will focus on keeping the two parallel runways active so as the heavier snow falls, Aviation Department staff will be able to alternate clearing efforts from one to the other to ensure the airfield is available for arrivals and departures.
  • Is MCI expecting any delays? 
  • Due to the severe nature of the storm in other parts of the country, there may be impacts from delays or cancellations at other airports. Travelers are encouraged to keep in touch with their airlines or check FlyKC.com for flight information. If your flight is cancelled, your airline should be your first call. 
  • Due to the cold temperatures, could there be any delays from de-icing? 
  • De-icing is handled by the airlines. The Aviation Department has sections of the airport grounds that are set aside for de-icing where an airline can stage their plane, but the actual work is handled by their teams.  
  • KCAD staff remain in constant communication with our airline partners over their operations and how they are planning to handle the weather and the department will help in anyway possible.
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