Blizzard warnings
vs Tornado warnings
“It’s funny how perspective works: Colorado folks see a blizzard warning and just keep moving, business as usual. Kansans get a tornado warning and … we all head outside to watch the skies,” Ellinwood resident Becca Maxwell commented.
“The truth is, everyone handles extreme weather differently based on what they’re used to. So, before you judge someone for driving in a snowstorm or stepping outside during a storm, remember: People live their lives and make choices they’re comfortable with.
“Let’s just all stay safe out there, no matter the weather!”
Editor’s note: Becca Maxwell shared the following information about being stranded on I-70 during Sunday’s snowstorm.
For the Maxwell family of Ellinwood, a post-holiday trip turned into a snowbound adventure as they found themselves stranded for 24 hours on Interstate 70 during a brutal Kansas winter storm.
Greg Maxwell, originally from Leadville, Colorado – famous for its high altitude and heavy snowfall – was no stranger to winter driving. Having grown up in a town where annual snowfall averages 141 inches, Greg was confident as he and his wife Becca, along with daughters Mya and Mette and a German shorthaired pointer named Tae, began their cautious journey home from Kansas City.
They had just celebrated Christmas in Greg’s hometown of Leadville and Salida, Colorado.
In good weather, the trip would have taken between three and three and a half hours. Their truck was well-prepared for winter travel, packed with blankets, snacks, bottled water, and a leftover feast of Kansas City barbecue. But even seasoned winter drivers couldn’t anticipate the chaos that unfolded on I-70 between Junction City and Manhattan.
The Snowstorm Hits
The Maxwell family’s troubles began mid-morning on Sunday as snowfall intensified. “We decided to head home despite the storm because staying put felt like a gamble too,” Becca explained. “We figured we’d take it slow and make it home.”
With Greg’s experience of winter driving, they felt the snow was much better than the icy roads that had caused multi-vehicle pileups in the Kansas City area on Saturday.
“We were more concerned about the other drivers that did not have experience,” she said. “We saw a few people that passed us in the ditch later on.”
However, by late morning, I-70 became a parking lot. Traffic came to a standstill, and updates from the KanDrive website lagged behind real-time conditions. The Maxwells found themselves stuck amid hundreds of vehicles, including semis and other travelers, unable to exit due to snow-blocked ramps.
Survival Mode
With temperatures plunging and snow piling up, the family shifted into survival mode. They ran their truck for only 10 minutes each hour to conserve gas, layering blankets and sharing laughs to keep morale up.
“We were lucky to have plenty of snacks,” said Becca. “We devoured brisket and ribs for lunch and cleared out the volleyball snack bag by afternoon. But after that, it was a test of patience and creativity.”
Passing the time proved challenging. The family turned to their truck’s entertainment system, re-watching “The Hangover” multiple times for comic relief. The family braved the cold for bathroom breaks but found even that nearly impossible. “The wind was relentless,” Becca recalled. During their ventures outside, they met the truck driver in front of them and the one behind them.
A Break in the Blizzard
Hours dragged on with no clear end in sight. Around 8:30 p.m., a police officer knocked on their window and offered to escort them to safety if they trusted their four-wheel drive. The Maxwells took the chance, following the officer cautiously until another pileup near Chapman halted progress once more.
By 11:30 p.m., the family reached a Love’s Travel Stop in Abilene. Exhausted but relieved, they shoveled out a parking spot and settled in for a restless but warmer night. “Being steps from coffee and bathrooms made all the difference,” Becca said.
Home at Last
At 6:15 a.m. Monday, the family resumed their journey, finally arriving in Ellinwood by mid-morning – exactly 24 hours after they first got stuck.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Becca said, “This storm reminded us of the power of nature and the importance of preparation. We were lucky to have food, blankets, and each other. It was an adventure we won’t forget – though we’d rather not repeat it.”
Lessons Learned
The Maxwells urge fellow travelers to stay vigilant during winter storms and to heed warnings about road closures. “If you can avoid travel, do it,” Becca advised. “And if you’re stuck, find humor where you can – like rewatching “The Hangover” three times in a truck.”
For Greg, the storm was a reminder of his Colorado roots. “In Leadville, this might not have been a big deal,” he joked. “But Kansas sure made it an unforgettable experience.”
The Maxwells are grateful to be home, warm, and safe, with another story to share about their close-knit family and the unpredictable adventures life throws their way.
