01/23/2026
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As weather forecasts predict potentially heavy snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures for the Independence area in the coming days, City officials are making preparations to ensure safe streets, coordinating with warming shelters and offering citizens important tips for managing through the storm.
Current predictions show dangerous wind chill temperatures may set in tonight, reaching -10 to -25 in the overnight hours and frigid temperatures and wind chills are expected to continue through Sunday and beyond. Additionally, a snowstorm is headed our way Saturday and Sunday, with predicted accumulations ranging from 4 to 8 inches.
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The First United Methodist Churchβs Wesley Center, 111 E. Maple, will open its doors as a warming center for people in need beginning at 7:30 p.m. today and continuing through Sunday. Citizens should bring their medications, medical devices and snacks. Pets are not allowed at the Wesley Center.
City Hall, 120 N. 6th, is also open 24/7 and available as a warming center for those in need. After business hours, the building can be accessed through the south entrance. Pets are allowed if they are controlled and have an appropriate leash, kennel, etc.
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Trash collection services are planned as usual on Friday, as long as weather conditions permit safe working conditions for crews. There will be no trash collection on Saturday. The City Brush Yard also will be closed on Saturday.
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For the safety of the animals, Ralph Mitchell Zoo will be closed Friday through Sunday.
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For the duration of the weather event, citizens are urged to take precautions and consider the following safety tips:
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β’ Stock groceries, prescriptions, bottled water and pet food ahead of the storm.
β’ Ensure smoke and carbon dioxide detectors in your home are working properly.
β’ Pack blankets, warm clothes, flashlight and bottled water in your vehicles.
β’ Gas up your vehicle ahead of the storm, and check to be sure tires are inflated properly and in good condition.
β’ Provide appropriate shelter, food and frequently refreshed water for pets.
β’ Check on elderly neighbors and loved ones.
β’ Let indoor faucets drip or trickle and open under-sink cabinets to avoid frozen pipes.
β’ Bundle up with heavy socks, gloves, hats and layers and minimize exposed skin if you must go outside; and limit your time outdoors to the least amount possible. (Hypothermia can occur in 15 minutes or less.)
β’ Give street crews, snowplows and trucks the right of way to do their work, and allow plenty of room between your vehicle and snow equipment. Park off streets if possible.
β’ Clean your sidewalk, per City ordinance, for pedestrian safety, but take frequent breaks while shoveling to avoid over-exertion in cold temperatures.
β’ Be patient as crews work extra long hours in difficult conditions to manage street clearing, water leaks and sanitation routes.
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β’ Never start a fire indoors except in a working fireplace or ventilated heating stove.
β’ Do not use kitchen appliances or open-flame space heaters to heat your home.
β’ Avoid travel on snow-packed streets unless absolutely necessary.
β’ Do not park your vehicle on the street. This will avoid the potential for vehicle damage or getting buried under cleared snow.
β’ Donβt shovel snow into the street.
In frigid temperatures, water systems are susceptible to freezing, if you lose water service entirely and suspect an issue on your property, contact a professional plumber. If you suspect an issue other than frozen pipes in your home or on your property β such as a meter issue or major water line break - call 620-332-2500 (daytime) or 620-332-1700 or 620-332-2515 after hours.
The Cityβs snow plan, including our snow route map, is accessible on our website: https://www.independenceks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2725/City-Of-Independence-Snow-Plan?bidId=
Keep following this page for regular updates on the weather situation.
