Comanche County Emergency Management

10/23/2026

🌧️ WEEKEND RAINFALL OUTLOOK | COMANCHE COUNTY & SOUTHWEST KANSAS 🌧️

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has released updated precipitation projections for this weekend, showing a significant difference in potential rainfall amounts across Southwest Kansas.

📍 COMANCHE COUNTY (Coldwater, Protection & Wilmore):

Current projections indicate that Comanche County is likely to see lighter rainfall totals compared to areas farther west. While some precipitation is possible, the greatest potential for heavier rainfall remains west of our county.

⚠️ FLOODING CONCERNS IN FAR WESTERN SOUTHWEST KANSAS:

Areas of far western Kansas have already received substantial rainfall over the past several weeks. With additional rainfall potentially reaching 2–4 inches in some locations, there is concern for localized flooding, particularly where soils remain saturated.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The rainfall amounts shown are potential ranges, NOT guaranteed totals. The higher-end amounts represent a lower-probability scenario, and actual rainfall will depend on where the heaviest rain develops.
Please remain weather-aware if traveling west this weekend, especially through areas that have experienced repeated heavy rainfall recently.
We will continue monitoring information from the National Weather Service in Dodge City and share updates as conditions warrant.

Comanche County Emergency Management

Range of Precipitation amounts this weekend

10/20/2026

Southwest Kansas will remain dry through Friday, but rain chances are expected to return over the upcoming weekend, as the next Pacific storm system arrives on the plains. The weekend is not expected to be a washout, but at least scattered coverage is probable Saturday through Monday.

10/19/2026

A long dry spell will continue across southwest Kansas through this week, with no rain through Friday. The next opportunity for measurable rain is expected Saturday, as the next trough enters the plains.

10/18/2026

🦌🍂 FALL ALERT: WATCH FOR DEER!

As fall settles into Comanche County, deer are becoming more active and are frequently on the move, especially around dawn and dusk.

🚗 Whether you're traveling through Coldwater, Protection, Wilmore, or on our rural highways and county roads, stay alert, slow down, and watch the roadsides.

⚠️ Remember: If you see one deer, there's a good chance more are nearby!

Stay safe, Comanche County! Enjoy the beautiful fall scenery, but keep your eyes on the road!

Comanche County Emergency Management

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Dodge City KS
111 PM CDT Thu Oct 15 2026

Trego-Ellis-Scott-Lane-Ness-Rush-Hamilton-Kearny-Finney-Hodgeman-
Pawnee-Stafford-Stanton-Grant-Haskell-Gray-Ford-Edwards-Kiowa-Pratt-
Morton-Stevens-Seward-Meade-Clark-Comanche-
Including the cities of Hanston, Elkhart, Lake Coldwater, Scott
State Lake, St. John, Pfeifer, Garden City, Ashland, Haviland,
Dighton, Hugoton, Johnson City, Jetmore, La Crosse, Macksville,
Wakeeney, Pratt, Sublette, Larned, Minneola, Montezuma, Dodge City,
Cimarron, Satanta, Liberal, Ness City, Coldwater, Protection,
Greensburg, Plains City, Syracuse, Stafford, Fowler, Deerfield, Scott
City, Lakin, Kinsley, Ulysses, Lewis, Hays, and Meade
111 PM CDT Thu Oct 15 2026 /1211 PM MDT Thu Oct 15 2026/
..FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 25 possible.

* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west
central Kansas.

* WHEN...From late Friday night through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.

10/15/2026

The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office has asked drivers to avoid U.S. Highway 183.

The sheriff’s Office said the Kansas Department of Transportation is helping to divert traffic.

10/15/2026

🥶 COLD WEATHER ALERT – COMANCHE COUNTY 🥶

Residents of Coldwater, Protection, Wilmore, and surrounding rural areas should prepare for a significant drop in temperatures!

🌬️ Friday Morning: Temperatures in the 30s with strong north winds of 20–30 mph, making it feel like the 20s.

❄️ Saturday Morning: Our first widespread freeze of the season is expected, with temperatures dropping into the 20s.

Now is the time to take precautions:

- Bring sensitive outdoor plants indoors or cover them with frost cloth, blankets, or sheets. Avoid using plastic directly on plants, and uncover them after temperatures rise.
- Protect pets by bringing them indoors when possible and providing warm, dry, wind-protected shelter, fresh water, and extra bedding. Check outdoor animals frequently.
- Prepare livestock by providing adequate shelter, dry bedding, unfrozen water, and access to additional feed.
- Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and insulate exposed pipes. Allow indoor faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip during the coldest periods if needed.
- Check heating systems, fireplaces, and space heaters before use. Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable materials, place them on stable surfaces, and never leave them unattended.
- Close doors and windows tightly, seal drafts, and check that carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are working. Never use a grill, generator, or fuel-burning appliance indoors.
- Dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and watch for signs of cold stress or hypothermia in people and animals.
- Use caution while driving, especially on bridges and overpasses, and keep an emergency kit, blankets, and a charged phone in your vehicle.
- Check on older adults, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance preparing for the freeze.

Stay warm, Comanche County! Fall is reminding us that winter isn't far behind! 🍂

Comanche County Emergency Management
Source: National Weather Service – Dodge City

Much colder air will arrive Thursday night and Friday morning, with air temperatures falling into the 30s. North winds will remain elevated to strong Friday morning, producing wind chills in the 20s. A widespread freeze is expected Saturday morning, with air temperatures in the 20s, and a freeze warning will be required.