Sheriff's office reports that roads remain treacherous, KDOT closes several highways

This is the map of highway closures and snow or ice-packed roads at 3 p.m on Sunday, Jan. 5. The National Weather Service in Topeka is reporting near record snow accumulation at their office, and the Kansas Department of Transportation has closed many highway as blizzard conditions continue to move across the northern portion of the state. To view a current map, click on this link. (KDOT)

MOUND CITY – The Linn County Sheriff's office is urging area residents to avoid travel on area roads unless it is absolutely necessary.

"Roadways are covered in a sheet of ice and some are impassable," the sheriff's office reported in a release at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5. "The forecast is reporting that we may be experiencing blizzard conditions today.

"Emergency services response time are greatly diminished due to the weather conditions. If you do not absolutely have to travel then don’t."

KDOT's KanDrive map showed that portions of U.S. 69 from the Johnson-Miami County line on to the north was closed as was all of Interstate 70 and much of I-35 from Ottawa into the metro area.

"If you are thinking about hitting the road today, think again," the NWS posted on its Facebook page at 1 p.m. on Sunday. "Snow plows are getting stuck. Emergency vehicles are getting stuck. If you get stuck, it may be over 24 hours until someone can get to you. Temperatures will fall below zero tonight. Do not risk it."

Meanwhile Linn County first-responder dispatch reported several accidents that were likely the result of slide-offs or poor visibility. A vehicle traveling on 300 Road between Quail and Read roads apparently was involved in an accident that involved cattle that were out. All of the airbags in the vehicle deployed.

Dispatch also reported another accident on U.S. Highway 69 north of Pleasanton that involved a slide-off into a marsh area. According to the report at least one man received injuries in the accident that involved an infant as well.

Fortunately, all of Linn County's school districts do not have classes scheduled for Monday, Jan. 6, because the districts scheduled teacher in-service meetings.