Kansas Winter Storm Leaves School Bus in Ditch Near Jetmore as Hazardous Travel Continues Under Winter Storm Warning
KANSAS — A school bus slid into a ditch near Jetmore, Kansas, Friday evening, an incident believed to be directly linked to dangerous winter storm conditions impacting central and western parts of the state. The crash occurred as heavy snow, strong winds, and rapidly deteriorating road conditions created near-zero visibility and slick travel surfaces across the region.
What Happened in Jetmore
Video and live storm coverage from the scene show the school bus partially off the roadway, lodged in a snow-filled ditch while blowing snow reduced visibility to just a few car lengths. At the time of the incident, temperatures hovered near 31°F, with strong winds whipping across open roads, a classic setup for ground blizzard conditions in rural Kansas.
While officials have not yet released full details regarding passengers or injuries, the scene underscores how quickly winter travel can become dangerous, even for experienced drivers and large vehicles.
Winter Storm Warning Remains in Effect
The incident occurred while a Winter Storm Warning was active for the area, with meteorologists warning of:
- Heavy snowfall
- Strong winds causing blowing and drifting snow
- Rapidly changing visibility
- Icy road surfaces beneath fresh snow
Radar and storm-tracking data show bands of snow continuing to move across portions of central and western Kansas, keeping travel conditions hazardous through the night.
Why Travel Is Especially Dangerous
Winter storms in Kansas are particularly dangerous due to:
- Open terrain, allowing winds to create whiteout conditions
- Snow-covered rural roads with limited treatment
- Rapid temperature drops, increasing ice formation
Even short trips can become risky when visibility collapses and vehicles lose traction — a factor believed to have played a role in the Jetmore incident.
Safety Reminders for Kansas Drivers
Emergency officials urge residents to:
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Slow down well below posted speed limits
- Keep emergency supplies in vehicles
- Monitor road conditions and weather alerts continuously
If travel is unavoidable, drivers should be prepared for sudden stops, stranded vehicles, and road closures.
Bottom Line
The school bus crash near Jetmore serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by ongoing winter storm conditions across Kansas. With Winter Storm Warnings still in place and blowing snow reducing visibility, residents are urged to use extreme caution and stay off the roads whenever possible.
Stay with Waldron for continued updates on winter storm impacts, road conditions, and safety guidance as this system continues to affect Kansas and surrounding states.