The weekend cold turned to snow by Monday morning, with a trace falling over Great Bend.

Public Works Director David Dunekack said street crews were out shortly after 8 a.m. after 911 Communications requested salt and sand spreading around Great Bend High School. That was followed by salt and sand spreading at busy intersections on 10th St.

Street Supervisor Anthony Bronson made more assessments, dealing with slick intersections.

Dunekack noted there was no need to bring out heavy equipment for snow removal for this minimal amount of snow, which could be gone by Tuesday afternoon. 

He advised motorists to use caution as there might be slick spots. “Don’t plan on being in a hurry; take your time.”

At least four non-injury accidents were reported Monday morning in Great Bend, but it was not clear if the slick roads were a contributing factor.

According to the National Weather Service, portions of central, south-central and southeast Kansas were under a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m. Monday, with up to an inch of additional snow possible. Motorists were advised to slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state can be obtained by calling 511.

Tuesday is expected to be sunny in Barton County, with a high near 46 degrees and west-southwest winds of 6-13 mph with gusts as high as 20 mph. Wednesday is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. North winds of 6-11 mph in the morning are expected to increase to 13-19 mph in the afternoon, and winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Wednesday night’s low will be around 12.

The cold snap convinced the bears at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo that winter has arrived. Zoo Director Ashley Burdick posted on Facebook, “Due to the falling temperatures the bears will likely be off exhibit now for the rest of the winter. Unlike the wild bears that go into torpor due to lack of resources, our bears don’t sleep quite as deeply. We still check them daily and offer them food and water if they would like it.”