Heavy Snow — Wise, Texas

2010-02-11 to 2010-02-12 · Wise, Texas

Event narrative

An average of 10-12 of snow fell across the county. The COOP Observer in Alvord reported a snow depth of 7 the morning of the 12th, and the COOP Observer in Decatur reported a total snow of 11. A NWS meteorologist measured 12 of snow southeast of Decatur. The local newspaper reported 8 of snow in Alvord, 11.5 in Cottondale, 12 in Runaway Bay, and 12.5 in Decatur. Numerous minor vehicle accidents were reported across the county. Several thousand customers lost power and extensive tree damage was reported.

Wider weather episode

A record snowfall fell across north Texas beginning the early morning hours of February 11th and continuing until the early morning hours of the 12th. Four climate data records for snow at DFW Airport were broken during this event including the highest 24-hour snowfall total. A total of 12.5 of snow was reported by the DFW weather observer. The heaviest snow fell across an area from Emory to DFW to southwest Jack County. The highest snowfall total measured was 14.4 in northwest Tarrant County. This snow storm caused major tree damage and resulted in over 500,000 power outages in north Texas. Some residents were without power for up to 4 days after the event. Many power outages were caused by tree limbs breaking and falling on power lines. Fallen tree limbs also caused problems on area roadways and damage to vehicles and homes. The damage caused by falling trees and to powerlines accounted for most of the monetary damage estimate in the region. The weight of the snow also resulted in the collapse of several metal carports and a few roof collapses. School closings, early releases, and delays were common on both days, and the same applied to numerous government offices and businesses. Also impacted were roadways where the prolonged snowfall event and the weight of the snow caused damage and resulted in pot holes in numerous counties. The roadways themselves remained slushy or clear throughout the event, and most traffic incidents reported were due to vehicles sliding off the roads due to the slickness caused by the slush. However, 1 vehicle fatality was reported and a few more injuries from vehicle accidents were reported. Several hundred flights were canceled at area airports.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 214725. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.