When Jim Cantore shows up in your city, you know things are about to get serious. The renowned meteorologist and storm tracker for The Weather Channel, who has been a staple in tracking extreme weather for over 38 years, is no stranger to dangerous conditions.
His presence in Houston ahead of this winter storm had locals raising eyebrows, and for good reason. After all, this isn’t exactly the kind of weather Texans are accustomed to!
Recommended Videos
LIVE BLOG: Winter storm warning until Tuesday evening; extreme cold weather advisory goes into effect tonight
@dad_dangerously Jim Cantore is on the ground in Houston. Never a good sign, the weather is about to go off the rails. Snow, ice, freezing rain. Hang in there Houston. #weather #jimcantore #winter #snow #freeze
♬ original sound - Dad_Dangerously
Why is Jim Cantore in Houston?
Known for reporting from the front lines of hurricanes, blizzards, and other extreme weather events, Jim Cantore’s arrival is a signal that the storm is no joke.
For Houstonians, who are more familiar with sweltering heat than snowstorms, seeing Cantore in the city’s streets was enough to spark concern. The icy grip of the storm on Texas’s largest city on Tuesday morning made it clear: this wasn’t just another winter weather warning.
PHOTOS: Snow coming down in parts of the Houston area
Cantore, a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, and AMS Fellow, isn’t one to shy away from dangerous weather. His Twitter bio, cheekily referencing “mother nature’s latest temper tantrum,” gives you an idea of how he feels about extreme weather events—and Houston was about to be his latest battleground.
What’s happening with the Storm?
So, what’s the big deal with this storm, and why is it making such an impact? Snow has blanketed parts of Houston and surrounding areas, causing treacherous conditions on the roads. While the snow has mostly moved out of the region, sunshine is starting to peek through, bringing a brief reprieve in the form of a little warming. But, don’t get too comfortable. Highs are still only expected to hover in the mid-30s, and any leftover slush or melted snow will refreeze as temperatures plummet into the teens overnight.
Snow much fun! Houston-are folks show off their best snowman creations ☃️
That means one thing: hazardous roads. So, if you’re thinking about heading out today, be careful because there is a chance you may swere on the corner (wooahh). The roads will only get worse as night falls, and ice is going to make things dicey. KPRC 2 meteorologists say while conditions should improve later in the week, with temperatures climbing into the 40s and 50s, there’s still a chance of slick spots hanging around, especially after dark.
DRIVING: How to tell the difference between sleet and graupel in Houston’s rare winter storm
How much snow is Houston getting?
This storm is already causing major disruption, but there’s more to it than just the snow. Houston could be looking at the second-highest snow rate on record. If this storm breaks that record, it will go down in history as one of the most significant winter weather events for the city.
Last time it snowed in Houston? A look back at our biggest snowfalls
So, what does all of this mean for Houston? Well, aside from the obvious icy conditions and the need to bundle up, it’s a reminder that weather can throw curveballs—even in places known for their warmth. And Jim Cantore’s presence is just another sign that Mother Nature has something powerful up her sleeve.