Freezing rain that has been persisting across portions Kansas since Thanksgiving Day has kept first responders busy.

Slick roads have prompted numerous crashes and slide-offs throughout Central Kansas. Late Friday into Saturday the Salina Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Salina Fire Department and EMS, and rural firefighters worked over two dozen weather-related emergency calls. On Saturday, the Kansas Highway Patrol worked at least a dozen crashes that involved injuries.

At least six people have been killed in weather-related crashes in Kansas.

Accumulating ice has also created sporadic power outages. Westar Energy crews have worked overtime, restoring power as quickly as possible.

According to the National Weather Service, ongoing freezing rain will continue to impact portions of central and south central Kansas through much of the day Sunday. Temperatures will gradually warm to above freezing this afternoon across portions of south central Kansas, so freezing rain could transition to rain throughout the afternoon hours along and south of the Kansas Turnpike.

Hazardous travel is expected. Please keep weather aware if traveling.