Winter weather storm leaves behind snowfall

Nearly four inches received

  • LATE WINTER SEASON SNOW - Nearly four inches of snow was averaged throughout Hockley County Tuesday night going into Wednesday. The flurries cleared out by mid-afternoon Tuesday. With a high surface temperature of 35 degrees, slush filled most roadways leading to icy conditions Wednesday morning. (Staff Photo)
    LATE WINTER SEASON SNOW - Nearly four inches of snow was averaged throughout Hockley County Tuesday night going into Wednesday. The flurries cleared out by mid-afternoon Tuesday. With a high surface temperature of 35 degrees, slush filled most roadways leading to icy conditions Wednesday morning. (Staff Photo)
  • STRUCTURE FIRE - The Levelland Fire Department responded to the 900 block of Robin Road, January 15, in reference to a structure fire that had began inside the residence. Additional units were needed to suppress the fire as the home was fully engulfed. (Staff Photo by Samantha Nowell)
    STRUCTURE FIRE - The Levelland Fire Department responded to the 900 block of Robin Road, January 15, in reference to a structure fire that had began inside the residence. Additional units were needed to suppress the fire as the home was fully engulfed. (Staff Photo by Samantha Nowell)

    Mother Nature surprised the majority of Texas with a brief winter storm and the moisture from the snow has been welcomed by many.

    By 4 a.m., Tuesday, Levelland-Hockley County Emergency Management Coordinator Cole Kirkland made his way through various county roads to access the conditions.

    “We were the recipient of some really wet snow that we are eternally grateful for,” said Kirkland.

    Snow began falling in Hockley County close to 11 p.m. Monday evening. Kirkland added that the area was not going to feel the residual effects of the snow as the surface temperature of the road had not dropped below 32 degrees, resulting in quicker melting.

    “Since the snowfall began, the surface temperature sat closely by 32 degrees, but as Tuesday progressed the surface temperature hit 35 degrees by lunch,” explained Kirkland. “That is why most of the roadways cleared out quickly towards the end of the day and more slush was made.”

    As snow can present dangers and issues on roads, the following day tends to be more dangerous as the roads become icy.

    “When the snow melts and the water freezes overnight, you then have an ice skating rink for the following morning,” said Kirkland. “Even though Tuesday looked bad, Wednesday morning is when it is the most dangerous.”

    With a rough early morning commute for citizens within the county, Kirkland and first responders geared their efforts toward the icy conditions that were expected for Wednesday.

    Kirkland hoped the sun would show itself more on Tuesday throughout the day to combat the snow melt, but the icy conditions were expected to be limited to the morning and should have melted by the afternoon due to Wednesday being a high UV index day.

    According to the National Weather Service, the county received an average of four inches of snow with some areas receiving a dusting of snow or slightly more than four inches.

    “The average was about 3.9 inches of snow and I think that moisture was definitely needed,” said Kirkland. “The type of snow we received was the perfect kind. Even though it was a little windy throughout the night, the snow was wet enough to not cause visibility issues that were anticipated.”

    For Kirkland, the important piece from receiving the moisture is that a lot of winter crops and rangelands get the benefit.

    “A snow storm like this is an absolute God send for a lot of these producers as the moisture will go directly into the ground to support the vegetation for whatever purpose,” said Kirkland.