TOPEKA, Kan. – Due to safety concerns regarding the winter storm projected for the state on Thursday, Dec. 22, and dangerously cold temperatures on Friday, Dec. 23, Governor Laura Kelly has issued a declaration of inclement weather for Shawnee County, ordering state office buildings in Shawnee County to be closed Dec. 22 and Dec. 23, 2022.
“Due to the potential for hazardous road conditions, precipitation, and dangerously cold temperatures, we are closing state office buildings in Shawnee County on Thursday and Friday,” Kelly said. “Please exercise extreme caution if traveling for the holiday weekend, give road crews enough space to do their jobs safely, and stay safe and warm.”
The declaration takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, and remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23. Ambient temperatures at 6 a.m. Thursday are expected to be 4 degrees with wind chills hitting -20 to -30 degrees. Additionally, with wind guests up to 40-45 mph, blizzard-like conditions are expected. Travel through midday Friday will be hazardous.
This declaration applies to all non-essential state employees in executive branch agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction, who work in offices located in Shawnee County. During the period of inclement weather, essential employees are required to report to work as normal. Benefits-eligible non-essential employees should record inclement weather leave during the period of inclement weather. Remote work is not being required.
This declaration does not include employees in the Board of Regents, Regents Institutions, the Judicial Branch, nor the Legislative Branch of Government. Their designated representative will make a separate declaration for those employees if appropriate.
To ensure consistent leadership during potentially dangerous road conditions, Secretary Lorenz will remain in her current role as Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary until midnight on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. Calvin Reed will assume his role as KDOT acting secretary Sunday, Dec. 25.
Appointing authorities in offices located outside Shawnee County have the option to declare inclement weather for those counties.
Information thanks to Kansas Office of the Governor.
