Recent Houston Snowfall Totals: A Texan's Wild Ride
Hey y'all! So, remember that whole "Houston doesn't get snow" thing? Yeah, well, Mother Nature decided to have a little laugh at our expense recently. We got hit with some serious snow, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. I mean, we're talking snow in Houston, Texas! It's not exactly something you prep for, is it?
My Snowmageddon Story (or Lack Thereof)
First off, let me preface this by saying I'm a native Houstonian. We're talking born and raised, humidity-soaked, flip-flop-wearing, summer-loving Texan. Snow? That's something you see on TV, right?
So, when the weather reports started whispering about a potential snowfall, I kinda chuckled. Potential? Please. I figured we'd get a dusting, maybe a light flurry... I was so wrong.
I didn't even bother stocking up on groceries. I mean, it's Houston! We're practically a desert. I figured everything would be fine. I was totally unprepared. Big mistake. Huge.
The snow started coming down heavier than expected. By the time I looked out the window, the streets were turning white, cars were stuck, and my inner Texan was freaking out. I felt like I was living in a movie. Seriously, this was something else.
My power went out, obviously, as did most of the city's. It was crazy. My phone was dying, and I was starting to get a little freaked out. I ended up huddled under a blanket with my dog, Charlie (a fluffy Samoyed who, ironically, loved the snow).
That night was one of the coldest I've ever experienced in my entire life! The temperature dropped to the low 20's, way below freezing. We're talking about a city that isn't built to handle that type of weather. It was honestly terrifying.
Houston Snowfall Totals: The Numbers
Okay, so let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The exact snowfall totals varied wildly across the city. This wasn't a uniform blanket of snow; some areas got hammered while others barely saw a dusting. It was crazy inconsistent, which made things even more chaotic.
I live in Northwest Houston, and we got around 4-6 inches, according to what I could find. I'm sure there are sites with way more accurate data available to verify. Some areas further west got even more. You can usually find updated information and detailed snow maps from local news websites like KHOU 11, KPRC 2, and ABC13. They're usually pretty on top of things during these types of weather events. These sites are great resources, and they often provide interactive maps showing snowfall accumulation by neighborhood.
Learning from the Freeze: Practical Tips for Next Time (Because There Will Be a Next Time)
Okay, so I learned my lesson. I'll never be caught unprepared again. Here's my advice for those of you living in areas prone to unexpected winter weather:
- Stock up on essentials: Water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, blankets, and hand warmers. Think about it like preparing for a hurricane; it's the same type of thing.
- Keep your car stocked: Jumper cables, a scraper, a blanket, and snacks. You never know when you might get stuck.
- Check the weather forecast regularly: Don't rely solely on one source. Stay informed!
- Charge your devices: Full phone and laptop batteries are essential if the power goes out.
- Let someone know your plans: Always let a friend or family member know your whereabouts, especially during severe weather.
This whole experience was eye-opening, to say the least. I've always thought of myself as being pretty prepared. But this? This showed me just how unprepared I truly was. It was a humbling experience.
Anyways, that's my snow story. Hopefully, this helps someone else avoid my mistakes! Stay safe out there, y'all. And remember, even in Houston, it can snow. So be prepared!