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

[cisa]

After next week...spring returns?

that's what Punxsutawney Phil says

[jabcwb2]

I have to go to work today. Yes, my boss is one of those.

Live in Gleannloch - near Hooks airport and have to make my way down to the Galleria area.

Anyone have any idea as to which way for me to go? Toll Road is closed, 610 NB lanes and 610 SB lanes are closed at I-10.

I realize this is not weather related question, was hoping perhaps someone may know someone that has made it thru and what route.

Thanks.

[TxMomof2]

I've been lurking for years (and participated some during hurricane seasons), and I have to say that I agree. Also, I feel it is somewhat derogatory when you use the word "newbies" to address the forum. (I'm sorry to take this off topic.)

My husband just left to go to work since his boss made it to the office. We live off of 249 near Louetta, and he is driving to North Shepherd. We have ice coating cars and other surfaces (like everyone else, I'm sure), so I'm nervous about his drive. End Quote:

Huh? A bit reaching, don't you think? The term newbies just means people new to the board, and those who a learning about weather. I've been a member of this forum for years, and we have used that term without issue long before you became a member. It means nothing derogatory. That is just pure absurd. I swear, some people with chips on their shoulder.

Nope, no chip on my shoulder. I don't think I was reaching, and I do know what "newbie" means. I just found it derogatory, that's all. IMHO.

Not that this matters, but I have actually been a member for years. I just couldn't remember my sign on and created a new account within the last year or so. I have found your use of the term "newbie" offensive for quite awhile now.

Anyway, what I came to post about is the ice is thawing at my place (249 near Louetta.)

[Baseballdude2915]

This turned out to be a historic event after all.

More problematic then fun, but gliding on my back deck was enough to satisfy me.

Anyone not watching the local news should turn it on. Every shot is wrecked cars, then they pan around and there are wrecks in the background. Looks like pure chaos in some parts. Be careful everyone.

[vbhoutex]

My daughter in Copperfield was having some more Freezing Rain a little while ago. Has anyone in that area seen anything? Here in Spring Branch we have almost 1/4" glaze on everything. Driveway is a little iced but surface street is ok. Not going out to check though. Son had to work but they finally told them all to head home. He is a field tech-said he could feel the tires sliding etc. So far he has been lucky. Everyone be safe!!

[srainhoutx]

My daughter in Copperfield was having some more Freezing Rain a little while ago. Has anyone in that area seen anything? Here in Spring Branch we have almost 1/4" glaze on everything. Driveway is a little iced but surface street is ok. Not going out to check though. Son had to work but they finally told them all to head home. He is a field tech-said he could feel the tires sliding etc. So far he has been lucky. Everyone be safe!!

Nothing here David, but the ice has started melting off the roofs.

[Paul]

goes to show what a few upper air soundings would do during events like this.....I saw snow, ice, sleet......sure I wanted 4inches of powder but we live in Houston not CO....I am good with it as should everyone else....

OK back to hibernation.....TS season coming up!! with Nuetral conditions its going to be active...

[unome]

sun is coming out in Cypress, but my pc still says it's 27 degrees out

here's a link to an iMap of Texas, best viewed in full-screen mode - looks like most of the state is still at freezing or below

http://tinyurl.com/46ywfc2

[MRG93415]

Ice is melting at the house...The cars and sidewalks are turning to water now....Hopefully tomorrow morning this will be better then they were this morning....

[Poltracker]

North Pasadena is experiencing alot of melting ice right now. Most vehicles are almost ice free and run off from the building roof is pretty strong.

[Ptarmigan]

NWS Houston should launch weather balloons like in Corpus Christi and Lake Charles. That is a 300 mile gap, in which the computer did not pick up the warm layer at 5,000 feet.

[weatherrabbit]

NWS Houston should launch weather balloons like in Corpus Christi and Lake Charles. That is a 300 mile gap, in which the computer did not pick up the warm layer at 5,000 feet.

I so agree, needs to be done!!

[Paul]

NWS Houston should launch weather balloons like in Corpus Christi and Lake Charles. That is a 300 mile gap, in which the computer did not pick up the warm layer at 5,000 feet.

4th largest city in the nation and we dont even do balloons....that my friends is not right....but I guess they figure events like this are once every 5 years so why bother.....of course we have had 4 consecutive years of snow now....time to change direction NWS....

[Ptarmigan]

4th largest city in the nation and we dont even do balloons....that my friends is not right....but I guess they figure events like this are once every 5 years so why bother.....of course we have had 4 consecutive years of snow now....time to change direction NWS....

THey rely on some data from commercial aircraft on final approach, called ACARS, not available to the public, but it doesn't seem quite the same as a real sounding, and if HGX had balloons, they could have done soundings off the usual 12Z and 0Z soundings.

Looking at Wiki, in flight weather obs from ACARS isn't the primary mission at all, anyway.

That is rather sad that we don't have balloons. I wonder why NWS Houston has not used them.

Why are ACARS data not available to the public? I know Houston is major air traffic area. Anyways, I think weather balloons are better than airplanes.

[vbhoutex]

North Pasadena is experiencing alot of melting ice right now. Most vehicles are almost ice free and run off from the building roof is pretty strong.

Same in the Spring Branch area too finally.
I am becoming interested in the next 5-7 days now. Watching local OCM's saying it won't be much. We shall see. I haven't looked at enough to make much comment at this point.

[tireman4]

That would be a kicker. This was one was watched for over two weeks and a the one coming up..nada and we get hit with snow...goodness.

[jeff]

over and out folks...going to attempt to head for the house. Need some rest now.

[srainhoutx]

over and out folks...going to attempt to head for the house. Need some rest now.

Thank you for your service, Jeff. Awesome job, Sir! See you next week...

[clute28]

over and out folks...going to attempt to head for the house. Need some rest now.

Great job Jeff..thank you for everything u do with helping the local and surrounding community's ..we greatly appreciate it!l

[tireman4]

over and out folks...going to attempt to head for the house. Need some rest now.

Thank you so much Jeff. You have been a trooper.