City of Olathe Winter Weather Update and Service Alterations

City of Olathe sent this bulletin at 01/05/2025 07:53 PM CST

Service Alterations

  • Residents needing to conduct business with the City of Olathe can utilize online services at OlatheKS.gov, OlatheKS.gov/OlatheConnect, or by calling customer at 913-971-9311. 
  • The Olathe Community Center, both locations of the Olathe Public Library, and Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm are closed on Monday, Jan. 6. 
  • The City of Olathe will suspend trash and recycling collection for Monday, Jan. 6. Customers will have their normal collection day delayed by a day (Monday will be collected Tuesday, etc.). In addition, the Household Hazadous Waste ReStore, Olathe Community Recycling Center, and Transfer Station will be closed Monday, Jan. 6. Download the Olathe Trash Day mobile app to receive updates and other information.
  • Olathe Municipal Court will be closed Monday, Jan. 6, with City prosecutors and judges available remotely. All Olathe Municipal Court cases scheduled for Monday, Jan. 6, will be continued to a future date. Defendants and attorneys will be notified on Tuesday, Jan. 7, of new court dates.
  • City of Olathe staff that are not related to emergency operations, snow removal, and utilities (water production, wastewater) will be remote on Monday, Jan. 6. These decisions were not made lightly but ensure the continuity of essential city services while keeping staff member and the public off roadways, allowing for snowplow operations to continue. We appreciate the significant efforts of our public safety and snow removal teams and continue our thoughts of safety for the community.

Snow Removal Operations

City of Olathe crews continue work during the early January snow event. Nearly 140 workers are currently on 24/7 operations with primary focus on major roadways and collector streets to maintain emergency routes. Traveling conditions are still considered dangerous and residents are asked to remain home, if possible. 

Crews spent Saturday, Jan. 4, treating all roadways with prewet salt brine before the freezing rain began.  

Early Sunday, crews shifted to plowing operations. Considering the significant winds and continued accumulation of snow, crews are solely focusing on arterial and secondary roads for emergency response. Once progress has been made, crews will resume normal plowing operations. 

To help snow operations clear the streets effectively, the City of Olathe asks residents to park vehicles in driveways and remove roadway objects like basketball goals. Additionally for safety, individuals are asked to not create snow forts near the end of driveways. 

The layer of ice, amount of snow, and large gusts of wind have made this storm complicated. Eventually crews will respond to individual snow removal requests, but City crews are asking for patience as wind and snow accumulation have caused significant work.

Cold weather tips for Olathe residents include:

  • Stay off the roads if possible. If you must travel, inform family/friends of travel plans, bring extra clothing and blankets, and allow extra time for arrival.
  • Report power outages to Evergy.
  • Check on elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors.
  • To prevent frozen water pipes, drip faucets and open cabinets to allow warm air around pipes. If pipes freeze, call a plumber immediately and shut off main water supply and use a hairdryer where frozen.

Follow City of Olathe plows live using the Snowplow Map and receive updates at OlatheKS.gov/snOlathe