Southeast Texas Snow: Houston Totals

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Southeast Texas Snow: Houston's Unexpected Winter Wonderland—And What We Learned

Okay, folks, let's talk about something that's, frankly, a bit bizarre for Houston: snow. Yeah, you read that right. Snow in Houston. Not just a dusting, either – I'm talking actual snow, the kind that makes you want to grab your hot chocolate and build a snowman…or maybe just stay inside and watch Netflix. We've all seen those memes, right? The ones about Houston's reaction to any precipitation heavier than a drizzle? Well, this time, the memes were kind of…accurate.

Houston Snow Totals: A Rollercoaster of Weather Reports

The whole thing was a wild ride, man. First, the forecasters were all over the place. One minute, it was gonna be a "historic blizzard," the next, a measly sprinkle. It was seriously stressing me out. I'd already stocked up on bread and milk (classic!), but then I started second-guessing myself: did I need more? Was I overreacting? Should I have bought extra batteries for the flashlights? My brain was a total mess.

Ultimately, my neighborhood, out towards Katy, ended up with around 3 inches of the white stuff. Some areas closer to downtown saw less. I saw online reports of places further west getting closer to 6 inches, which was insane. I mean, seriously—snow drifts in Houston? It felt like we were living in a movie!

My Snow Day Fail (and What I Learned)

I, being the intelligent adult I am (ha!), decided to venture out in the snow. Big mistake, folks. Big, HUGE mistake. My four-wheel drive SUV? Not so four-wheel-drive-y when the roads are sheets of ice. I nearly ended up in a ditch. I'm so glad I wasn't speeding, or it would have been much worse. Let's just say I now have a new appreciation for the phrase, "stay home if you don't need to go out."

Lesson learned: Check your tire pressure before the snow hits. You may want to consider equipping your car with snow tires or chains for better traction on ice. I know, I know. "Chains? In Houston?" But seriously, this experience has made a believer out of me. I'm thinking about getting snow tires, although I'm pretty sure they'll only need to be used every decade or so.

Beyond the Inches: The Impact of Unexpected Snow

Beyond the totals themselves, the unexpected snow caused all kinds of chaos. Schools were closed, of course. Traffic was a nightmare. (Have you ever tried driving on ice in a city of millions? Don't. Just don't.) Power outages were reported in some areas, but thankfully our neighborhood was spared. It felt more like an inconvenience than a disaster, thankfully. But it definitely gave everyone a chance to appreciate the bizarre beauty of a snow-covered Houston skyline. The city looked straight out of a holiday movie.

Tips for Surviving a Houston Snowstorm (Yes, Really)

• Check your emergency kit: Flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods – you know the drill.
• Monitor weather reports: Seriously, pay attention. And don't just rely on one source.
• Charge your phone: Power outages can happen, and a fully charged phone is essential in an emergency.
• Don't drive unless absolutely necessary: Ice is treacherous, and Houston's roads aren't designed for it.
• Dress warmly: Even though it is Texas and you're probably not used to wearing heavy winter clothes.

This whole snow event was a pretty memorable experience. Although, I’m still kind of hoping that it’ll be at least another twenty years before this happens again. It was a fun thing to experience, but it is certainly not a necessity. But hey, at least it gave us some pretty epic photos and some funny stories to tell for years to come. And, most importantly, it reinforced the importance of being prepared for the unexpected—even in a place like Houston.