Ah, Texas. When people think of Texas weather, they usually think of intense heat, unbearable humidity and drastic changes in weather that leave the locals unsure of wearing shorts or an overcoat. Winters are particularly confusing with conditions shifting from 70 degrees and sunny one day to 30 degrees and freezing cold rain the next day. And if we do get “snow”, it is usually slushy sleet that melts by the next morning. However, every once in a blue moon Texans are blessed with a beautiful snow day that, in the case of this week, can rack up over 8 inches. The issue that arises is the fact that people used to the heat are pretty clueless when it comes to the snowy weather.

So, what should a Texan do to combat these upcoming snow days? Here are some things that could help. 

Attire

When braving the cold, it is the clothing we choose that gives us the most, or least, protection against the environment. And I’m sorry to say this, but leggings or shorts are not going to cut it this time. The key to managing winter weather is LAYERING. Always begin with an under layer of thermal under wear. Alternatives to this can be leggings and a long sleeve shirt or even just a thin pair of sweatpants. If you do not have a pair of wool socks, make sure to double up. The next layer needs to be a light jacket and some non-cotton pants. Cotton when wet can easily freeze and leave you in a worse position than before. The last layer needs to be a waterproof coat so your outside layer doesn’t turn to ice. These could be lined with fleece, wool or any other material. Now, you can’t forget the accessories. Thick hats like beanies or even fleece-lined headbands are perfect for protecting ears. We don’t want any to lose their fingers, so gloves are a must-have in this situation. The best shoes are any type of boot. It can be snow boots, hunting boots or even rain boots. You may not look like the most fashionable person in the world, but you will definitely stand a fighting chance against the cold. 

*Note –  A lot of hunting gear is made with the same materials that snow gear is made with to keep you warm and comfortable.

Driving

With the conditions being as bad as they are, I wouldn’t recommend driving right now. But, if driving is necessary, make sure to take it slow. Roads are very slippery, and accidents could likely happen if you do not proceed with caution. If there is any amount of snow on your car, make sure to clear it off before driving. It is helpful not only for the driver, but it is courteous to other people on the road who don’t want to be hit with flying snow. The last tip is to leave with enough time to get to wherever you are going. Since you will be driving slower, it will take longer to get to places. Take that into consideration. Just remember, roads are slick. Proceed with caution.

Essentials

Power outages could happen at any time. With the temperatures dropping so low, a few extra things are needed to make it through the day. Flashlights and extra batteries are a must when the power goes out, as well as tons of extra water and non-perishable food items. To make it through a rough winter outage, make sure a source of heat is handy. This could be from a fireplace, a portable heater or even just from wrapping yourself up in blankets. A trick to lock in heat is by closing all blinds and curtains as well as covering all cracks in doors that lead to the outside. The last thing you want to do is to check your pipes. If the pipes in your house are not sufficiently insulated, they are at risk of freezing or even bursting. If this concerns you, shutting off the main water valve may be a good solution. 

Frostbite and hypothermia

Of course the snow can be all fun and games, but risks of frostbite and hypothermia cannot be ignored. Circulation slows when in the cold for long amounts of time, leaving some body parts vulnerable to the weather. Even just standing in the snow for too long can cause the body temperature to drop. Signs to watch for are shivering, tingling sensations in the body and numbness. In order to avoid these weather related illnesses, make sure to not stay in the cold too long and always check in with your body to make sure everything feels normal. As long as you dress in layers, eat plenty of carbohydrates and drink lots of water, you should be in good shape. 

With these tips, hitting the slopes will feel as easy as hitting the beach. Considering the rarity of having snow, much less having enough to call for multiple snow days, be sure you take time to enjoy it before the regular Texas weather makes it all melt away. Of course, be sure to stay safe and warm amidst all of the never-ending winter fun.