Texas Snow Storm 2021: East Texas Memories and Winter Preparedness Tips

Editor’s Note

The Texas Snow Storm 2021 is something many Texans will never forget. Here in North East Texas, between Dallas and Shreveport, we saw snow, ice, dangerous wind chills, power outages, and temperatures that felt completely unreal for our part of the state.

This post is a look back at what that week was like in my area from February 14-19, 2021, along with a few winter preparedness reminders for Texas families, road trippers, and anyone planning travel during cold-weather months.

This post was originally written during the February 2021 Texas winter storm. I’m keeping it as part of my East Texas local history and seasonal preparedness content. Some details reflect my personal experience in North East Texas at that time.

These events are from 2/14/2021 and 2/19/2021.

I haven't seen this much snow since the 80's. We have had snow here a few times over the years but nothing like this.

From what I heard from the local weather man, the temps that we are experiencing are historic and haven't been this cold, well in our lifetime.

I would like to find out more on this, I have always had a big interest in weather.

The Texas Snow Storm of 2021

I am (and these photos were taken) in North East Texas, between Dallas and Shreveport, LA.

Texas Snow Storm 2021 (2/15/21 - 2/16/21)

I ventured out early in the morning (the snow all fell during the night) and woke up to around 7 inches.

I know that doesn't seem like a lot but for a location that rarely ever gets snow, it is.

The second storm dropped more ice than snow on top of it because and the temps were dangerously low (at least here in Texas), not to mention the wind chills.

The photo below was very early that morning where one of my small dogs didn't care one bit, when ya gotta go, ya gotta go!

For the next few photos, they are to show you what the temps where on 2/14/2021 morning and the wind chills.

Also, the last photo shows you when then next storm arrived, Wednesday.

Oh my goodness, check out that wind chill below, way to cold for me or even Texas, period.

Texas Snow Storm 2021 (2/17/21 - 2/19/21)

On Wednesday the 17th, in my area, we had nothing but an ice storm.

After having 7 inches of snow on the ground from Sunday night, the ice just flattened the snow and made it very crunchy and easy to walk on.

Because of that, it was hard to make snow balls unless your broke it all up.

On 2/19/21, it finally got a little above freezing and the sun was shining.

Everything has started to melt (thank goodness) but its very messy out there.

The first couple of days we spent most of that time without power than we did with it.

Monday, the coldest night, was the night we spent with no power and even though we had a generator and a little buddy heater, we didn't run it during the night to keep from using all of the gas and for safety while sleeping.

It never really got under about 50 in our home that night, but still very cold.

I don't think I have ever been so cold in my life. We broke a record here in my area and that particular night we got down to -6 F, it was awful.

The next day, I build one of those clay pot heaters. I had a huge package of tealights that I had gotten not long before.

I tried a small clay pot and tealight setup during the outage, but I would not recommend relying on homemade heating methods as a primary heat source. If you use candles during an outage, keep them on a stable, heat-safe surface, away from pets, kids, curtains, bedding, and anything flammable.

I can't say if it heated a whole room or not because our power would come on for a while and then go back off.

Winter Travel Preparedness for Texas Road Trips

If you are traveling in Texas during winter, especially through rural areas or smaller towns, it helps to prepare ahead of time. Texas weather can shift quickly, and many areas are not built for long periods of ice, snow, or extreme cold.

Before a winter road trip, consider packing:

• Blankets
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Phone charger or power bank
• Flashlight
• Extra medications
• First-aid kit
• Ice scraper
• Jumper cables
• Extra gloves, socks, and warm layers
• Printed hotel or emergency contact info

Texas Winter Storm Preparedness Lessons

The 2021 storm reminded many Texans how important it is to have a basic emergency plan. For future winter weather, it helps to think about:

• Backup heat options
• Generator safety
• Extra drinking water
• Food that does not require much cooking
• Flashlights and batteries
• Charging power banks before storms
• Protecting pipes
• Keeping pets warm
• Having fuel before bad weather arrives
• Checking on neighbors and family

Safety Reminder

Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows or doors. Use generators only outside and away from living spaces. Follow all manufacturer instructions for heaters, generators, candles, and backup heat sources. Carbon monoxide is dangerous, and safety matters more than trying to tough it out.

FAQs

Was the Texas Snow Storm of 2021 unusual for East Texas?

Yes. Many parts of Texas, including East Texas, are not used to extended snow, ice, dangerous wind chills, and long power outages. That made the 2021 storm especially memorable and difficult.

How much snow did you get in East Texas during the 2021 storm?

In my area of North East Texas, we woke up to around 7 inches of snow during the first storm, followed by more ice later in the week.

What made the 2021 Texas winter storm so difficult?

The combination of snow, ice, extremely cold temperatures, wind chills, power outages, and limited winter-weather infrastructure made the storm hard for many Texans.

How can Texans prepare for winter travel?

Pack blankets, water, snacks, phone chargers, warm clothes, flashlights, first-aid supplies, and check road and weather conditions before leaving.

Should this post be used for current weather updates?

No. This is a historical/personal post about the February 2021 Texas winter storm. For current weather, always check official local forecasts and emergency updates.