Peak of the storm has passed for Kansas City as snow rates decrease. As of 1:30am, I measured an average depth of somewhere between 4 and 4.5″ around the yard at my parent’s house in Overland Park. Since then, I am estimating the average snowfall rate based on radar to be on the order of 1/2″ to 3/4″ per hour, therefore the estimated depth as of 5:45am is probably 6 to 7″. At first light, I will go out and measure, however during blizzard conditions, the snow compacts faster, and the true snowfall may not be entirely representative by the current average depth. Here is a photo of me and my brother’s vehicle in my parent’s driveway with a drift in front of my Jeep at 1:30am:
Below is a surface map at 1:00am CST showing the observations during the height of the storm as it was affecting Kansas City. Note the surface wind vorticity center over northeastern Missouri. A 987mb surface low between Kirksville (IRK) and Columbia (COU):
I follow your blog from time to time. Have a great Christmas and thanks for sharing your meteorlogical expertise. Glad you got back to the east for the holiday at Overland. Maybe you’ll meet up with Jay?
Comment by Steve Sponsler — December 25, 2009 @ 7:03 am
Hey Steve, thanks!! I’ll be heading back to Dodge City later this afternoon/early evening. I thoroughly enjoyed this storm, even if it did hit at night.
Comment by Mike U — December 25, 2009 @ 7:10 am
Merry Christmas Mike.
I’m glad you received a snowy Christmas!
Here’s what we had last year for Christmas (it’s also a Merry Christmas message to you): http://www.flickr.com/photos/bignastyweather/4212529726/
We had about 16-20″ on the ground for Christmas day…during which, it was snowing. It was fantastic!
Comment by Charles Dalton — December 25, 2009 @ 8:41 am