February 16 Snowstorm

  It's been pretty much a winterless winter. I've recorded just 2.9" of snow here in Farmersville so far and that's probably the least I've written in my weather books since I began taking readings in April 1974. In December we had no snow at all.

 By the way, this is the Golden Anniversary of my weather recordings. 50 years. 18,250 entries.

So when the NWS began forecasting a decent snowstorm on February 16, we all took notice. As the day progressed they warned of possible heavy snow, especially just north of me. And they issued a Winter Storm Watch late in the day.

 The snow began just after 3:30 PM and continued into the evening. We didn't get much - just 2.5" -  but it seemed remarkable after looking at brown lawns for so long.

 After sunset on February 16,  the snow fell at quite a clip for a short while. I went out and enjoyed the view for a few minutes. And the temperature had fallen from a high of 36° and was dipping into the 20's.

 This is my first view the next morning (February 17). There wasn't much snow but it certainly changed the view.

 From the second floor bathroom window I could see that Clayton Road was somewhat clear. Plows had passed the house all through the night. School was cancelled. When Tom drove home from his house he said he almost went off the road on Farmersville-West Carrollton and barely missed our mailbox while he was trying to turn into our driveway.

 A view from  the second floor window at the top of the stairs.

 Tom's car got covered by the falling snow. Parker had been out for her late day constitutional about 9 PM and left tracks.

 I'll admit it: I  brought our patio furniture out of storage too soon. But we've had very pleasant spring-like weather. On 02/07 we topped out at 57°; on 02/14-15 we recorded 53° and 52°. So I had reason to think winter was over.

 

 

A view from one of our security cams on the morning of 02/17.

 Two days later (02/19) I took my first walk in Millie's lane. It was just 12° at 8 AM as I headed back for one lap. I delivered the newspaper and a slice of cornbread. She was surprised to see that I was out and about on such a bitter morning. But I was bundled up and stepped carefully and already saw that the drifts were coming from the southwest. Warmer weather ahead!

 And so yesterday (02/20) we topped out at 59° and most of the snow has melted. Today we're expecting 60°. And next week the forecast promises our first 70°.

 Is winter over now?