© 2024 KMUW
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

What The City Is Doing About All This Snow

Briana O'Higgins
/
KMUW

Wichita city officials held a news conference Thursday morning to give an update on the conditions in the midst of one of the city’s worst snow storms.

The Wichita area has already received more than 10 inches of snow over the past two days, causing drifts, vehicle accidents, delays and school closings.

Here are the updates from multiple city departments: 

Wichita Police Department

Wednesday the Wichita Police Department enacted the Emergency Accident Reporting Plan (EARP). Under the plan, any accident that does not involve an injury or alcohol should be reported online or at a substation within 24 hours.

The Wichita Police Department asked residents to plan ahead if they had to go out and allot extra time for travel. They also said response times for 911 could be longer due to road conditions.

Public Works And Utilities

The Department of Public Works and Utilities called in two contracting companies to help city crews with snow removal. The department has 50 crew members and 50 pieces of equipment out on the streets. They are being helped by an additional 21 crew from the contracting companies.

Wichita Transit

Wichita Transit is still operating, although they are behind schedule due to road conditions.

Riders can get updated information about routes at wichitatransit.org.

The paratransit services are only making medically necessary trips. Paratransit riders are being asked to reschedule appointments, if possible.

Mid-Continent Airport

Most flights in and out of Wichita Mid-Continent Airport have been canceled due to the weather. Each airline is making its own decision, so check in with your airline for up-to-date information.

The airport itself is not closed, and they have at least one operating runway.

City Hall

The public hearing on the 2013-2014 Consolidated Plan scheduled for 3 pm Thursday has been canceled.

The regularly scheduled Metropolitan Area Planning Commission meeting is still scheduled for 1:30 pm Thursday.