WINTER STORM UPDATE (2-17-21 1 pm)
Per Lindner:
Upper level storm system responsible for the freezing rain over portions of SE TX this morning is exiting to the east
Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for tonight into Thursday for some additional light precipitation
Hard Freeze Watch has been issued for Thursday night and Friday morning
Upper level disturbance responsible for the overnight and morning rain and freezing rain over the area is moving off to the NE with rain ending. Surface temperatures have warmed into the mid 30’s over many areas ending the freezing rain and resulting in a slow melting of accumulations of ice. Temperatures may rise a few additional degrees today, before falling below freezing again this evening north of I-10. Ice will be slow to melt this afternoon with temperatures only in the mid to upper 30’s and lack of solar insolation.
Tonight an upper level disturbance along and ahead of an arctic frontal boundary may result in a band of light sleet and snow that spreads across the area from WNW to ESE. It is unclear what areas could be impacted by this feature, but the general model agreement is that precipitation and amounts will be light. With that said, and with low temperatures below freezing, a few additional icy bridges and overpasses will be possible. Temperatures will rise into the mid and upper 30’s again Thursday afternoon as skies clear.
Friday Morning:
With clear skies and light winds, a hard freeze is increasing likely over the area with temperatures falling into the upper 10’s north of HWY 105 and low to mid 20’s across the rest of the area. Temperatures are not expected to be as cold as early this week, nor the extreme cold last as long which should mitigate additional damage to infrastructure. However, pipes should be protected as temperatures generally below 25 degrees can cause concerns for pipes to break.
Much warmer conditions can be expected this weekend as this historic arctic outbreak modifies and the arctic high pressure shifts to the east allowing onshore flow of warmer air off the Gulf of Mexico.
Jeff Lindner
Director Hydrologic Operations Division/Meteorologist
Harris County Flood Control District
Twitter: @jefflindner1