2010... and 1980: First Snow

(ABOVE: My first snow! That's me at home in Orange, TX in 1980. I had never seen this picture until Mother found it in a drawer recently. This was the first time I ever saw snow. My smile proves it!)

Snow isn't unusual in eastern Oklahoma, but the first snow of the season seems to be a big deal. Lots of memories are made, especially for the kids!

I grew up in Orange, TX, and any snow was unusual and a big deal. On average, measurable snow is observed about once every 10 years along the Southeast Texas Gulf Coast.

Every single kid in Orange remembers the snow of 1980. The snow fell during the night on Friday, and kids woke up early Saturday morning to white stuff in the yard. Probably 1'-2" fell. It was enough snow to build my first snowman in the front yard! (Frosty melted the next day...)

The Tulsa area averages 9" of snow a year, and the 1" of snow which fell last week wasn't quite enough to make a snowman, but it probably provided smile to the kids. Maybe their parents too!

(ABOVE: My camera dude Kyle is stoked. He's excited for my live shot in the light snow)



(ABOVE: 1" of snow fell at our house. The snow was a bit powdery and 100% beautiful)

January 9-10 Snow: Fun Viewer Pictures

These are a few of the pics shared by KJRH viewers. These really made me smile!



(ABOVE: Jada Pingleton from Hartshorne and her cat Marley. And a hula snow girl!)




(ABOVE: Eddie and Rhonda Boback near Claremore show us that their puppies love the snow. )




(ABOVE: Joyce McCoy sent in this picture of her grand daughter. This is Maybree Moore of Warner and her tiny snowman. Cute!)



(ABOVE: I smile when Carolyn Canida sends us pictures of her West Highland White Terrier. "Stuart" was a foster dog of ours.)




(ABOVE: and this is Carolyn's snow mouse! There wasn't enough snow to make a snow man.)




(ABOVE: Blake Cates saw this parked near KJRH. His caption, "Don't let your dog drive in the snow.")

Snow-- so what's REALLY gonna happen?

(ABOVE: "So, is it really gonna snow on Monday?!" )

This makes me laugh when I hear this. Our weather staff is often asked what we "really think" will happen with the weather just after finishing a newscast.

So, I'm including an email. This is what I sent to KJRH employees after the 9am Sunday "2NEWS Weekend Mornings" newscast. Hopefully this closely resembles what actually came out of my mouth on TV!


email: "The first snow of the season is on the way. For today, light snow and flurries are possible in Tulsa and our viewing area. No accumulation expected. Most folks won’t receive any measurable snow today. Monday is our snow day. 1-3" totals are likely in our viewing area including Tulsa. As I type this Tulsa is not under any weather advisories, but am guessing that a "Winter Weather Advisory" will be issued for Monday.

Light snow is possible as early as sunrise on Monday, but most of the snow will fall during the afternoon and evening. Snow gradually ending toward and after midnight. Enjoy!

What could be bigger story is the cold. We will likely stay below freezing for over 100 straight hours!! Highs temperautures in the 20s and low 30s are expected thru Thursday.

Working for you,

George"


note: you can always check kjrh.com for the latest forecast. :)