Winter Weather — Kent, Texas

2021-01-01 · Kent, Texas

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level low which brought thunderstorms and snow to the region on the 29th and 30th of December finally moved northeastward out of northern Mexico on the 31st. Following the precipitation on the 30th, a notable dry layer aloft moved overhead delaying the start of precipitation on the 31st until the afternoon and evening hours. Most areas on the South Plains were unable to moisten up enough to experience accumulating snowfall. Although this dry air reduced the amount of precipitation that made it to the ground, it promoted evaporative cooling, which allowed temperatures to quickly drop to and below freezing. This kept most of the precipitation in the form of snow and sleet. The snow quickly diminished from southwest to northeast early in the morning on 1 January. A widespread area of snowfall of two to three inches fell over the Rolling Plains and portions of the eastern South Plains. A narrow snow band developed over Garza County which produced up to 8.5 inches of snowfall. Note that this event began on 31 December and ended on 1 January.

Snowfall reports are from NWS cooperative weather observers, social media, and law enforcement:

8.5 inches at Post (Garza County), 6.0 inches at Lake Alan Henry (Garza County), 4.5 inches at Childress (Childress County), 4.0 inches at Tahoka (Lynn County), 3.5 inches at Slaton (Lubbock County), 3.5 inches at Jayton (Kent County), 3.0 inches at Matador (Motley County), 3.0 inches at Crosbyton (Crosby County), 2.5 inches at Dickens (Dickens County), 2.0 inches at Floydada (Floyd County), 1.6 inches at Aspermont (Stonewall County), and 1.0 inches at Guthrie (King County).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 929430. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.