The Great Austin Snowpocalypse: A Once-in-a-Blue-Moon Extravaganza (Unless It's Not)
Ah, Austin. Land of breakfast tacos, live music, and...blizzards? Okay, maybe not blizzards exactly, but believe it or not, it does snow here. Now, before you start packing your thermals and plotting your epic snowball fight, let's get a grip on the reality of this winter wonderland (or lack thereof).
How Often Does It Snow In Austin |
So, How Often Does This Snowy Shenanigan Happen?
The official answer, courtesy of our pals at the National Weather Service, is that Austin averages a measly 0.3 inches of snow a year. That's basically the thickness of a poorly-made pancake. But here's the thing: averages can be deceiving, like that time your friend said the hike would be "easy" and you ended up scaling Mount Ever-never-again.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
In reality, we get a dusting of snow, maybe enough for a sad snowman (or a glorified ice cube depending on your perspective), about once every two years. Think of it as a surprise party for your inner child, Austin-style.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
The Not-So-Silent Night: When Austin Got Schooled by Snow
Now, let's talk about the outliers, the epic snowpocalypses that become the stuff of legends (and slightly exaggerated memories). The most recent was in February 2021, when a cool 6 inches of the white stuff painted the town white. Cue the bread runs, the frantic milk dashes, and the mass confusion over whether you actually needed to use windshield wiper fluid (spoiler alert: yes, Brenda, yes you did).
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Then there was the granddaddy of them all, the 1937 Snowpocalypse (patent pending). This winter warrior dumped a whopping 11 inches on Austin, a feat that still sends shivers down the spines of our grandparents.
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Moral of the story: Don't underestimate Austin's ability to throw you a curveball in the form of a surprise snowfall.
But Seriously, Folks: Be Prepared (Just in Case)
While a full-blown blizzard might be a rare occurrence, it's always good to have a plan, you know, just in case Mother Nature decides to shake things up. Here are some tips:
- Stock up on essentials: Bread, milk, Netflix subscriptions (because let's be real, you're not going anywhere).
- Have a snow shovel handy: Even a measly dusting can be a pain to navigate.
- Invest in some decent boots: Because trudging through slush in flip-flops is a recipe for a bad time.
- Charge your phone: Power outages can happen, and you'll need something to document your epic snow day adventures (or at least your existential dread while staring out the window).
Remember: A little preparation goes a long way, especially when it comes to the unpredictable whims of Texas weather.
FAQ: How to Survive an Austin Snowpocalypse (Hopefully Unnecessary Edition)
- How to build a snowman in Austin? Use your imagination! A 3-inch tall snow pile can be a majestic snowman with the right squint and some creative pebble placement.
- How to drive in the snow? If you can avoid it, do. But if you must, take it slow, brake gently, and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Remember, most Austinites have about as much experience with snow as a penguin has with public speaking.
- How to entertain yourself during a snow day? Board games, hot cocoa, and watching reruns of Friends are all excellent options.
- How to stay warm? Layers are your friend. Cozy blankets, fluffy socks, and strategically placed space heaters are your allies in the fight against the cold.
- How to not freak out when the power goes out? Deep breaths and acceptance are key. This is your chance to reconnect with your inner caveman (or cavewoman).