Houston Enjoys Rare Snowfall

HOUSTON, TX — It’s a rare thing for snowfall to happen in Houston and the surrounding communities, so the reaction that Houstonians have when even a small amount of snow actually sticks to the ground might be laughable to those north of the Bayou City, but it’s pretty genuine nonetheless.

As expected, the snow began to fall all over the Houston area Thursday night, with many taking to social media to share what they were seeing.

“Snowflakes in Cypress,” said Jessie Moreno, who posted at about 9 p.m., followed by “Now, the snowflakes in Cypress are huge.”

A few miles east of Cypress in Tomball, the city was setting up for the annual three-day Tomball German Christmas Market, when the snow began its descent, settling atop tents and fixtures, and giving the scene a truly German Christmas feel.

By morning, areas of Houston were blanketed with soft white snow, sending school children into a frenzy, only ot have their hopes dashed that school was in session.

In Cypress, Curtis Rowe swiped mounds of snow off his new car as it warmed for a short trip to Tomball Memorial High School, while a block away 14-year old Shannon Monnich waited to catch the bus to the Tomball Star Academy.

"This is the first time I have seen snow, and actually been able to play in it," she said. "I really like it. It's really nice."

Meanwhile, elementary school kids waited outside with their parents and grandparents and took in a quick snowball fight, while others built the first snowman of their young lives.

However, for some, the snowfall was a reminder of home.

Alaundra Sterling grew up in New York, remembers a childhood when they had to shovel their way out of their home, with snow packed to the front door.

"This is something because it hardly happens in Texas, but in New York, you can hardly drive," she said

For her daughter Sariah, however, it was a real treat.

"This is the first time I have ever seen snow, and I am actually glad," she said, beaming.

The snow began melting away by 8 a.m. as temperatures warm into the 40s and 50s for the weekend.

Image: Susie Fernandez braves the chill in Lake Jackson in long socks and chanklas (Courtesy Susie Fernandez).

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