Sunday, February 14, 2021

Feb. 14 21

 Area Forecast Discussion

Issued by NWS Houston/Galveston, TX

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308
FXUS64 KHGX 142344
AFDHGX

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
544 PM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

.AVIATION [00Z TAF Issuance]...

Major winter storm beginning to unfold, with mix of rain and
wintry precip already occurring as far south as CXO. Houston
terminals should join that crew this evening, and spread even to
GLS overnight. Have gradual transition to FZRA, mixing to SNPL,
and finally SHSN by early tomorrow morning before precip comes to
an end late tomorrow morning or early afternoon. Low MVFR CIGs at
the very best through all of this, but do hint at the back end
some sign of improvement, particularly in the IAH extended
tomorrow evening.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION /Issued 259 PM CST Sun Feb 14 2021/...

.SHORT TERM [Tonight Through Monday]...

Major winter weather event (a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet and
snow) will continue to unfold during the remaining afternoon hours,
on through this evening and overnight, and then come to an end from
west to east during the morning hours on Monday as the storm system
moves into and across the state. Look for precipitation coverage on
radar to continue to increase this afternoon and peak during the
overnight and early morning hours. Locations that are already at
or below freezing (mainly northern and western areas) can expect
to see mainly sleet and snow while locations that are near or slightly
above freezing (mainly southern and eastern areas) can expect rain
and freezing rain to more gradually transition to sleet and snow
as temperatures work their way downward. Models generally support
locations up north (CLL to Crockett areas) to receive the higher
snowfall totals of 4 to 6 inches with locally higher amounts,
locations around and to the north of the I-10 to I-59/69 corridor
to receive 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts, and near the
coast light accumulations. Areas that remain near or above freezing
the longest have the potential to receive the highest and most
dangerous ice accumulation potentials of 1/10 to 1/4 inch (again,
locally higher amounts possible), and this looks like it might set
up near/around the Houston area and especially for locations off
to their east and southeast. As usual, winter precipitation forecast
is quite challenging for Southeast Texas, and would not be at all
surprised if there are slight shifts in the exact higher amount
locations. With the entire area under a Winter Storm Warning, a
Hard Freeze Warning and a Wind Chill Warning, everyone should rush
to completion all preparations for this major winter weather event.
After the precip event comes to an end from west to east on Monday
morning and afternoon highs struggle to remain in the upper teens
to mid 20s (maybe near 30 at the coast), bitterly cold temperatures
and wind chills will become our next concern as we head on into
Monday night.

Please stay safe out there, remain home and do not travel! 42


.LONG TERM [Monday Night Through Sunday]...

Round one of the winter precipitation will have come to an end by
Monday night. Monday night/Tuesday morning will feature extremely
dangerous arctic temperatures. Low temperatures will be in the
single digits for our northern and western counties, 10-12 degrees
around the Houston metro area, and in the teens further to the south
and along the coast. Wind chill values will be well below zero out
to the north and west and in the single digits elsewhere. Please
take these hazards seriously. The ice and snow will not melt and
hazardous travel conditions will remain in place. Travel is HIGHLY
discouraged through at least Tuesday. Minimize your time outdoors
and wear proper attire if you go outside. You will be at risk of
hypothermia if outdoors for an extended period of time. Afternoon
temperatures on Tuesday are not expected to get above freezing for
most locations north of I-10, so the ice and snow will remain in
place on the roads. It`s not until Wednesday where a brief period of
above-freezing temperatures come into the area as another coastal
low develops and initially pushes in some slightly warmer air. High
temperatures on Wednesday will be in the 30s/40s for inland areas
and in the 50s along the coast. Model consensus is not entirely
there as far as who gets freezing rain and who gets liquid rain
initially on Wednesday morning along with the extent of the
moisture. Our northern counties have the highest chance of seeing
freezing rain in the morning hours before a transition over to rain
as temperatures warm above freezing. Favorable jet mechanics will be
in place with divergence aloft, but differences remain in models on
how quickly the moisture moves out of the area. Current thinking is
that moisture sticks around into Wednesday night/Thursday morning,
so as temperatures drop below freezing we will see a transition over
to winter precipitation at the tail end on Thursday morning for
areas north of I-10. Uncertainty remains on if the winter
precipitation will be freezing rain, sleet, or snow, but leaning
more towards another freezing rain event.

High pressure moves into the area on Thursday and we`ll see clearing
skies with temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Below freezing
temperatures likely to remain in our far northern counties due to
the CAA over the frozen ground. Thursday night/Friday morning will
feature another hard freeze with temperatures dropping into the
teens up north and into the 20s further to the south due to
radiational cooling underneath the mostly clear skies. We won`t be
trapped in this cold weather pattern all week though...warmer
temperatures are on the horizon! High pressure shifts to the east on
Friday afternoon and reintroduces onshore flow to the area.
Resultingly, temperatures will rise into the 40s and 50s across the
area on Friday. If that`s not warm enough for you, temperatures will
be back into the 60s by next weekend as onshore flow persists. 26


.MARINE...

Offshore northeasterly winds of 15-20 knots continue to prevail.
Winds will increase going into the nighttime hours eventually
reaching Gale force tonight through Monday. This is the result of a
coastal low developing in the western Gulf. As it passes through the
area, periods of winter precipitation are anticipated. Additionally,
seas will build up to 10-12 feet offshore and 6-7 feet nearshore
with the strong northeasterly winds. As the low transitions to the
east, strong offshore flow returns in its wake and seas will
gradually decrease on Monday. Low water conditions will be possible
during low tide periods. Another potential hazard for this event
will be freezing spray with the prolonged period of freezing
temperatures through Tuesday before coastal temperatures begin to
rebound. Another coastal low will develop on Tuesday night/Wednesday
morning and bring another period of strong offshore winds.  26

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...

College Station (CLL)  11  17   3  27  23 /  90  20   0   0  60
Houston (IAH)          17  22  10  32  30 /  90  60   0   0  40
Galveston (GLS)        29  30  19  40  40 /  90  70   0   0  60

&&

.HGX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

TX...Hard Freeze Warning until noon CST Tuesday for the following
     zones: Austin...Brazoria
     Islands...Brazos...Burleson...Chambers...Coastal
     Brazoria...Coastal Galveston...Coastal Harris...Coastal
     Jackson...Coastal Matagorda...Colorado...Fort
     Bend...Galveston Island and Bolivar
     Peninsula...Grimes...Houston...Inland Brazoria...Inland
     Galveston...Inland Harris...Inland Jackson...Inland
     Matagorda...Madison...Matagorda
     Islands...Montgomery...Northern Liberty...Polk...San
     Jacinto...Southern
     Liberty...Trinity...Walker...Waller...Washington...Wharton.

     Winter Storm Warning until 6 PM CST Monday for the following
     zones: Austin...Brazoria
     Islands...Brazos...Burleson...Chambers...Coastal
     Brazoria...Coastal Galveston...Coastal Harris...Coastal
     Jackson...Coastal Matagorda...Colorado...Fort
     Bend...Galveston Island and Bolivar
     Peninsula...Grimes...Houston...Inland Brazoria...Inland
     Galveston...Inland Harris...Inland Jackson...Inland
     Matagorda...Madison...Matagorda
     Islands...Montgomery...Northern Liberty...Polk...San
     Jacinto...Southern
     Liberty...Trinity...Walker...Waller...Washington...Wharton.

     Wind Chill Warning from midnight tonight to noon CST Tuesday for
     the following zones: Austin...Brazoria
     Islands...Brazos...Burleson...Chambers...Coastal
     Brazoria...Coastal Galveston...Coastal Harris...Coastal
     Jackson...Coastal Matagorda...Colorado...Fort
     Bend...Galveston Island and Bolivar
     Peninsula...Grimes...Houston...Inland Brazoria...Inland
     Galveston...Inland Harris...Inland Jackson...Inland
     Matagorda...Madison...Matagorda
     Islands...Montgomery...Northern Liberty...Polk...San
     Jacinto...Southern
     Liberty...Trinity...Walker...Waller...Washington...Wharton.

GM...Small Craft Advisory until 9 PM CST this evening for the
     following zones: Coastal waters from Freeport to Matagorda
     Ship Channel TX out 20 NM...Coastal waters from High Island
     to Freeport TX out 20 NM...Galveston Bay...Matagorda
     Bay...Waters from Freeport to Matagorda Ship Channel TX
     from 20 to 60 NM...Waters from High Island to Freeport TX
     from 20 to 60 NM.

     Gale Warning from 9 PM this evening to 3 PM CST Monday for the
     following zones: Coastal waters from Freeport to Matagorda
     Ship Channel TX out 20 NM...Coastal waters from High Island
     to Freeport TX out 20 NM...Galveston Bay...Matagorda
     Bay...Waters from Freeport to Matagorda Ship Channel TX
     from 20 to 60 NM...Waters from High Island to Freeport TX
     from 20 to 60 NM.


&&

$$

SHORT TERM...42
LONG TERM...26
AVIATION...Luchs
MARINE...26

Hard Freeze Warning

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
911 PM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

TXZ163-164-176>179-195>200-210>214-226-227-235>238-300-313-
335>338-436>438-151115-
/O.CON.KHGX.HZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210216T1800Z/
Houston-Trinity-Madison-Walker-San Jacinto-Polk-Burleson-Brazos-
Washington-Grimes-Montgomery-Northern Liberty-Colorado-Austin-
Waller-Inland Harris-Chambers-Wharton-Fort Bend-Inland Jackson-
Inland Matagorda-Inland Brazoria-Inland Galveston-
Southern Liberty-Coastal Harris-Coastal Jackson-Coastal Matagorda-
Coastal Brazoria-Coastal Galveston-Matagorda Islands-
Brazoria Islands-Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula-
Including the cities of Crockett, Trinity, Groveton,
Madisonville, Huntsville, Shepherd, Coldspring, Livingston,
Corrigan, Caldwell, Somerville, College Station, Bryan, Brenham,
Navasota, Conroe, The Woodlands, Liberty, Cleveland, Dayton,
Columbus, Eagle Lake, Weimar, Sealy, Bellville, Hempstead,
Prairie View, Brookshire, Waller, Houston, Winnie, Mont Belvieu,
Anahuac, Stowell, Old River-Winfree, El Campo, Wharton,
Missouri City, Mission Bend, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, First Colony,
Pecan Grove, Edna, Ganado, Bay City, Pearland, Alvin, Angleton,
League City, Friendswood, Devers, Pasadena, Baytown, Palacios,
Lake Jackson, Freeport, Clute, Texas City, Dickinson, La Marque,
Surfside Beach, and Galveston
911 PM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

...HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as the single digits
  to teens are expected across the region.

* WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Texas.

* WHEN...Through at least noon CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other
  sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
  plumbing.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Temperatures have already fallen below 24
  degrees from a line roughly from Eagle Lake to Hempstead to
  Huntsville to Ratcliff. Cold air will continue to surge
  coastward through the night.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

&&

$$

Winter Storm Warning

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
902 PM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO IMPACT THE REGION THROUGH TONIGHT INTO
MONDAY FOLLOWED BY NEAR RECORD BREAKING AND BITTERLY COLD
TEMPERATURES MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING...

TXZ163-164-176>179-195>200-210>214-226-227-235>238-300-313-
335>338-436>438-151115-
/O.CON.KHGX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210216T0000Z/
/O.CON.KHGX.WC.W.0001.210215T0600Z-210216T1800Z/
Houston-Trinity-Madison-Walker-San Jacinto-Polk-Burleson-Brazos-
Washington-Grimes-Montgomery-Northern Liberty-Colorado-Austin-
Waller-Inland Harris-Chambers-Wharton-Fort Bend-Inland Jackson-
Inland Matagorda-Inland Brazoria-Inland Galveston-
Southern Liberty-Coastal Harris-Coastal Jackson-Coastal Matagorda-
Coastal Brazoria-Coastal Galveston-Matagorda Islands-
Brazoria Islands-Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula-
Including the cities of Crockett, Trinity, Groveton,
Madisonville, Huntsville, Shepherd, Coldspring, Livingston,
Corrigan, Caldwell, Somerville, College Station, Bryan, Brenham,
Navasota, Conroe, The Woodlands, Liberty, Cleveland, Dayton,
Columbus, Eagle Lake, Weimar, Sealy, Bellville, Hempstead,
Prairie View, Brookshire, Waller, Houston, Winnie, Mont Belvieu,
Anahuac, Stowell, Old River-Winfree, El Campo, Wharton,
Missouri City, Mission Bend, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, First Colony,
Pecan Grove, Edna, Ganado, Bay City, Pearland, Alvin, Angleton,
League City, Friendswood, Devers, Pasadena, Baytown, Palacios,
Lake Jackson, Freeport, Clute, Texas City, Dickinson, La Marque,
Surfside Beach, and Galveston
902 PM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST MONDAY...
...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
NOON CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...A strong storm system will bring periods of freezing
  rain, sleet and snow. Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 6 inches
  are expected north of Highway 105 tapering down to 1/2 to 2
  inches down to the Highway 59 and Interstate 10 corridor.
  Locally higher amounts are possible. This will be on top of a
  layer of ice between 1/10 to 1/4 inch thick. Additionally, it
  will become extremely cold with long stretches of the week spent
  below freezing. Minimum wind chills will fall below zero.

* WHERE...Portions of Southeast Texas.

* WHEN...Though Monday Morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel will continue to be very difficult...if not
  impossible...through Monday morning. Many roads have been
  reported as ice covered and closed this evening. The extremely
  low wind chills as low as 15 below zero will become life
  threatening to people and animals outside without adequate
  warmth or shelter! The strong winds could also result in blowing
  and drifting of snow creating near white out conditions with
  visibility less than 1 mile at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A major winter storm is forecast to occur. Preparations to
protect life and property should be rushed to completion. Prepare
for power outages and have non-perishable food and water on hand.
Do not travel unless it is an emergency. If you must travel, keep
an extra blanket, flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in
case you become stranded.

The latest road conditions for Texas can be found at
drivetexas.org.

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow...
sleet...and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also
possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.

A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and
strong winds will create dangerously low wind chill values. This
will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia or death if
precautions are not taken.

&&

$$

Wind Chill Warning

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
902 PM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO IMPACT THE REGION THROUGH TONIGHT INTO
MONDAY FOLLOWED BY NEAR RECORD BREAKING AND BITTERLY COLD
TEMPERATURES MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING...

TXZ163-164-176>179-195>200-210>214-226-227-235>238-300-313-
335>338-436>438-151115-
/O.CON.KHGX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210216T0000Z/
/O.CON.KHGX.WC.W.0001.210215T0600Z-210216T1800Z/
Houston-Trinity-Madison-Walker-San Jacinto-Polk-Burleson-Brazos-
Washington-Grimes-Montgomery-Northern Liberty-Colorado-Austin-
Waller-Inland Harris-Chambers-Wharton-Fort Bend-Inland Jackson-
Inland Matagorda-Inland Brazoria-Inland Galveston-
Southern Liberty-Coastal Harris-Coastal Jackson-Coastal Matagorda-
Coastal Brazoria-Coastal Galveston-Matagorda Islands-
Brazoria Islands-Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula-
Including the cities of Crockett, Trinity, Groveton,
Madisonville, Huntsville, Shepherd, Coldspring, Livingston,
Corrigan, Caldwell, Somerville, College Station, Bryan, Brenham,
Navasota, Conroe, The Woodlands, Liberty, Cleveland, Dayton,
Columbus, Eagle Lake, Weimar, Sealy, Bellville, Hempstead,
Prairie View, Brookshire, Waller, Houston, Winnie, Mont Belvieu,
Anahuac, Stowell, Old River-Winfree, El Campo, Wharton,
Missouri City, Mission Bend, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, First Colony,
Pecan Grove, Edna, Ganado, Bay City, Pearland, Alvin, Angleton,
League City, Friendswood, Devers, Pasadena, Baytown, Palacios,
Lake Jackson, Freeport, Clute, Texas City, Dickinson, La Marque,
Surfside Beach, and Galveston
902 PM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST MONDAY...
...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
NOON CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...A strong storm system will bring periods of freezing
  rain, sleet and snow. Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 6 inches
  are expected north of Highway 105 tapering down to 1/2 to 2
  inches down to the Highway 59 and Interstate 10 corridor.
  Locally higher amounts are possible. This will be on top of a
  layer of ice between 1/10 to 1/4 inch thick. Additionally, it
  will become extremely cold with long stretches of the week spent
  below freezing. Minimum wind chills will fall below zero.

* WHERE...Portions of Southeast Texas.

* WHEN...Though Monday Morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel will continue to be very difficult...if not
  impossible...through Monday morning. Many roads have been
  reported as ice covered and closed this evening. The extremely
  low wind chills as low as 15 below zero will become life
  threatening to people and animals outside without adequate
  warmth or shelter! The strong winds could also result in blowing
  and drifting of snow creating near white out conditions with
  visibility less than 1 mile at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A major winter storm is forecast to occur. Preparations to
protect life and property should be rushed to completion. Prepare
for power outages and have non-perishable food and water on hand.
Do not travel unless it is an emergency. If you must travel, keep
an extra blanket, flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in
case you become stranded.

The latest road conditions for Texas can be found at
drivetexas.org.

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow...
sleet...and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also
possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.

A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and
strong winds will create dangerously low wind chill values. This
will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia or death if
precautions are not taken.

&&

$$

Thoughts: Freezing rain started to fall around 3 pm and the trees
and surfaces started to ice over around 4 pm. Sleet and freezing rain
started to fall around 6 pm leaving thick blankets on the surfaces.
There may have been a few snowflakes sometime during the early,
or late night. Where I was in Copperfield, Houston, TX.

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