NWS Chief meteorologist Suzanne Fortin says the Wichita area got between 11 and 13 inches of heavy snow. She said it is a good snow for making snowmen and sledding and everything else fun for children home from school.

 

It is not uncommon for thunderstorms to form higher in the atmosphere where the temperatures are warmer. That rain turns to snow before reaching the ground.

 

While Wichitans woke up to the highest snow totals in Kansas, that distinction is likely to be short-lived. The snow band is moving into northern Kansas where snowfall totals of up to 18 inches are forecast for Great Bend, Salina and Russell.