Saturday, January 8, 2011

Heavy Rain Threat/Winter Weather/New Year's Resolutions

WEATHER

Good morning everyone! Sorry to be such a stranger, but we are in the middle of trying to sell our house, and between that, work, business and just life, I am struggling to keep up.

Big weather story for southeast Texas is the heavy rain expected overnight tonight and early Sunday and the potential for wintry weather (sleet/freezing rain/snow) for areas well north of Houston tonight and Sunday and then the slight possibility of some sleet/snow for Houston area mid-week.

A cold front is already affecting the Houston area and as an upper storm approaches today, skies will turn cloudy by late afternoon. Overnight and through early afternoon Sunday, there could be some very heavy rain (2 to 3 inches) and there is a slight possibility of some tornadoes due to turning in the atmosphere. There is not a tornado watch issued as I write this post, but just be aware that might be a possiblity. The biggest threat is the heavy rain which according to the National Weather Service, could cause some minor flooding. If you plan to drive north into northeast Texas (on I45 or Highway 59), be aware that you could run into some icey roads and nasty travel conditions. If you are driving up there during the day tomorrow, conditions should improve, but you might see some snow flurries as far south as Huntsville.

The other big story is the dramatic change in temperature. Highs on Sunday will not get out of the 40s and I think it is possible that much of the area will stay in the 30s. It is also going to be very windy and there could be some coastal flooding due to high surf. Monday, there will likely be some sunshine and slightly warmer conditions but then a reinforcing shot of cold air will bring temperatures back down for the rest of the week and there will be some persistent cloudiness mid-week into the end of the week with a slight chance of precipitation Wed/Thurs. With temperatures being so cold, I won't rule out some snow flurries mid-week, but the air will be very dry. So, anything that falls will likely evaporate before you even see it. But I will keep and eye on those developments.

So, to sum it up:
Overnight and into early Sunday, heavy rain and flooding for Houston and surrounding areas
Wintry travel weather north of Houston tonight and even Sunday as far south as College Station to Huntsville to Livingston

AND MORE
Just a quick mention that our New Year's Resolutions poll is closed. 0% said they kept their resolutions for an entire year. 16% said they kept for a few months. 16% said they kept for a few weeks. 0% said they kept for a few days. 16% said they kept for one day. And, 50% said they never start. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

I'll try to have a new poll on my next poll.

Have a safe weekend everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman