February 1-5, 2011 Arctic Blast/Winter Storm Discussion

[tano85]

Just got a text from son who goes to U of H downtown campus. He is seeing flurries there now

[Baseballdude2915]

Light ZR and IP in League City.

Freezing rain? Surface temps are at least a degree or two above freezing. How can that be?

[tireman4]

I think ( and I am not speaking for HCC) that for us, we have night classes. If this is indeed a 6 pm start to this event, the idea was to get folks home safe.

[updraft]

If you think about it, it's not so amazing that everyone is beginning to doubt the snow. Texans and especially Houstonians have been trained to become natural Optimistic Pessimist ... look who we've had for roll-models - the Houston Oilers, Astros, Rockets (except '94-'95) and Texans.

We always hope for the best, but expect the worst - and in this case, best = frz precipt, worst = bust.

As I always say before each sports season in Houston, "Have faith. Maybe this time ... " Patience is the key here. but then again, I've been waiting 10 years for a Texan Super Bowl ..... maybe next year

[djjordan]

Light ZR and IP in League City.

Freezing rain? Surface temps are at least a degree or two above freezing. How can that be?

The ground is cold and has been subjected to below freezing temps for some time now .... The ground will freeze up pretty quickly with any precip that falls.

[jeff]

There are likley pockets of 32 or below in the areas where precip is reaching the ground. Official obs are 33 at Ellington and 34 at Hobby. IP was at the FO

[Andrew]

If you think about it, it's not so amazing that everyone is beginning to doubt the snow. Texans and especially Houstonians have been trained to become natural Optimistic Pessimist ... look who we've had for roll-models - the Houston Oilers, Astros, Rockets (except '94-'95) and Texans.

We always hope for the best, but expect the worst - and in this case, best = frz precipt, worst = bust.

As I always say before each sports season in Houston, "Have faith. Maybe this time ... " Patience is the key here. but then again, I've been waiting 10 years for a Texan Super Bowl ..... maybe next year

You are a genius!

[tireman4]

Just got a text from son who goes to U of H downtown campus. He is seeing flurries there now

That is 5 miles from me. Hummmmm

[srainhoutx]

There are likley pockets of 32 or below in the areas where precip is reaching the ground. Official obs are 33 at Ellington and 34 at Hobby. IP was at the FO

I would say that's a good report.

[tireman4]

There are likley pockets of 32 or below in the areas where precip is reaching the ground. Official obs are 33 at Ellington and 34 at Hobby. IP was at the FO

Jeff,

When are you going to do a "PLO" ( Parking Lot Observation)?

[Mr. T]

Light ZR and IP in League City.

Freezing rain? Surface temps are at least a degree or two above freezing. How can that be?

The ground is cold and has been subjected to below freezing temps for some time now .... The ground will freeze up pretty quickly with any precip that falls.

Also, if precip is falling, evaporative cooling effects will likely let the temp fall below freezing in those areas

[TxLady]

And speaking of "stirring the pot"...I've got the chicken boiling for a big pot of Chicken and Dumplings. We're going to need some "warming your soul kinda food" for later this evening, when we come in from playing in the snow.

As for now, I can report it is really cold up here!

[jabcwb2]

PRECIPITATION TYPE: A MIX OF LIGHT SNOW AND SLEET IS EXPECTED OVER
MOST OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS. TO THE WEST OF A LINE FROM COLUMBUS TO
MAGNOLIA TO HUNTSVILLE TO CROCKETT...ALL SNOW IS EXPECTED. TO THE
EAST OF A LINE FROM SARGENT TO ANGLETON TO ANAHUAC...A MIX OF
RAIN...FREEZING RAIN...AND SLEET IS EXPECTED.


I am confused about this statement. Looks like a BIG gap between these lines. What are folks expecting who live/work in that "Big Gap" area?

[PaulEInHouston]

There are likley pockets of 32 or below in the areas where precip is reaching the ground. Official obs are 33 at Ellington and 34 at Hobby. IP was at the FO

My station has 33.3 and falling. As for the precip down that way...http://wx.apxsolutionsinc.com/wxradarbaseref.php

[kitkat77]

If anyone has kids in Clear Creek ISD, it appears school cancelled tomorrow. My daughter just sent me a "Yippee, you were right Dad" text...

That is correct. Expect a district "robocall" soon.

[jeff]

Based on the reports it appears radar dbz of at least 20-25 is needed for precip. to reach the ground. May start to see more reports over SE Harris as there are a few 20dbz heading in that direction

[rnmm]

Galveston schools are also closed tomorrow. As of right now, Texas City schools have not made an announcement about school being closed tomorrow so I guess our kids are going.

[tireman4]

Understood Jeff, as I am in SE Houston.

[Poltracker]

Just got a text from a friend - that drove down Hwy 146 at Hwy 225 icy spots over the road (which is elevated). Its starting folks.

[Snowman]

I certainly dont see northern harris county recieving 3 to 5 inches of snow... the moisture is east

correct me if im wrong...