(MSC News)--An ice storm warning remains in place, with local areas likely to be impacted by severe wintry weather.

However, the latest examination of conditions has led the National Weather Service to delay the timeline for the previously implemented Winter Weather Warning.

Meteorologists expect the precipitation to begin Saturday evening, with periods of freezing rain continuing through Sunday evening. The heaviest periods of ice accumulation will be Saturday night into Sunday morning.

The state of Kansas has been preparing for the storm.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka to monitor the storm.

The Center will be staffed on a full-time basis until further notice to monitor weather conditions and keep in contact with county emergency managers to provide state assistance.

Soldiers of the Kansas National Guard have been alerted to mobilize to assist local authorities with emergency response measures across the state, if needed.

Governor Sam Brownback has approved a verbal State of Disaster Emergency declaration to facilitate state emergency response operations to the storms.

In Missouri, Governor Eric Greitens held an early Friday morning news conference at the state National Guard headquarters, saying he’s made arrangements for adequate response to the ice storm.

Greitens declared a state of emergency late Thursday afternoon.

The threat of ice means dangerous driving conditions and the threat of a loss of power.

Ice accumulation on trees and power lines may result in scattered power outages.

MSC Radio News wants to remind our listeners of the options we provide in terms of coverage in case the power goes out.

The possibility of power outages means the chance that any one of the six radio stations operating as Many Signals Communications could lose power. If that happens, Corporate Vice-President Justin Fluke says listeners are encouraged to tune into another of our radio stations. “I think sometimes people might forget that our company has six different radio station frequencies,” Fluke said. “So, if one of our stations gets knocked off the air, they can always try one of the other frequencies and get a lot of the same local news, local weather, important information and announcements.”

Many Signals Communications is comprised of KAIR 93.7 FM and 1470 AM in Atchison; KNZA 103.9 FM in Hiawatha; KMZA 92.1 FM in Seneca; KLZA Sunny 101.3 FM, in Falls City, and KTNC-AM, also in Falls City.

Fluke says even if a station if off the air on a traditional radio, it doesn't mean that the available internet streams aren't working. “All six of our radio stations are streaming world-wide and free 24/7, hopefully most people can hear any and all of our local stations on the app with their smartphone or through our mscnews.net website on a tablet or computer,” Fluke added. “That stream should always work—even if the station’s on-air signal loses power.”

Westar energy is working to prepare for the possibility of outages.
According to a statement released by the state's largest electricity provider, Westar crews are ready to make the needed repairs, but neighboring utilities are asked to be ready to help if needed.
Westar encourages customers to download a free mobile app that provides access to outage reporting, and allows enrollment to receive text updates that provide notification of power outages.
The MyWestar app is available in both the Android and Apple app stores. More information regarding Westar outage information is available here. 

Kansans are urged to stay home, if possible, and be prepared by making sure their home emergency kits are stocked and review their home emergency plan. Since travel may be impossible, residents need to make sure their home emergency kits are stocked for a 3-day supply.

Suggestions for Storm Preparations

In anticipation of the upcoming ice-storm predictions Atchison Hospital and Clinics suggests that you please consider the following recommendations. In addition to the listed items below you can get information from www.ready.gov

Medical Supplies:

• Oxygen – if you, or a family member, use oxygen, please make certain you have an adequate supply.

Medications:

• Have a (7-day supply)of all your prescription medications  and medical items suck as hearing aids, including extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.

Put together a Supply Kit:

• Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

• Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food

• Flashlight [Available on the Red Cross Store]

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) [Available on the Red Cross Store]

• Extra batteries

• Matches in a waterproof container

• First aid kit [Available on the Red Cross Store]

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

• Manual can opener for food

• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

• Tools/supplies for securing your home

• Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery

• Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members

• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

• Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.