Abilene skated through winter storm better than other Texas cities
Ice Storm 2023 has passed. We hope, at least, that last week's adventure will be our biggest weather challenge this winter.
Since the winter storm arrived as January closed, there still is a lot of February left. We don't have to think hard to remember February 2021, when snow bear-hugged the city and the state beginning Valentine's Day and didn't let us out of its icy grip for five days.
It didn't get any colder than 20 degrees this time around, and there wasn't much wind to make it worse. The sun tried to take a peek late Thursday, and skies were clear Friday.
We didn't get much moisture, not even a third of an inch, but it was enough to shut down the city. We lost 3-4 days of work time - Monday turned out to be a wasted day with it just being cold - and valuable education hours. We hopes these school days are made up.
It looks as if we fared better than other parts of the state. Reports were that more than 300,000 customers lost power for an extended time, with Austin again taking a hit. The Legislature had to pause its work.
The blame finger again was pointed in several directions. That alone would suggest disorganization in our efforts to avoid disruption of services, and how much has been accomplished, or not, since the historic storm two years ago.
The biggest concern in the Abilene area was ice forming on tree limbs, which would snap and snag power lines. The preparation of surfaces by the Texas Department of Transportation ahead time kept roadways fairly passable. Enough that some motorists proceeded at normal speeds, which was not wise.
Advice to folks to stay off roads largely was followed, though many went out for groceries or a cup of coffee. People will drive through slush to get one at Sonic.
If anything, Abilenians were able to let off the gas for a few days, some saying they got around to some things they normally wouldn't. Or just relax by a fire with a book or electronic device, considering why the Cowboys again aren't in the Super Bowl.
So, congratulations, we survived our first real winter bout this year. A busy weekend of events awaited us, with Valentine's Day coming up.
Looking at the 10-day forecast this far out, it doesn't look like V-Day will be buried in snow like it was in 2021. So, take a hint from TxDOT; prepare early.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Abilene skated through winter storm better than other Texas cities
