Texas

LOOK BACK: It’s been 2 years since Texas’ devastating winter storm of February 2021

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2023

LOOK BACK: It’s been 2 years since Texas’ devastating winter storm of February 2021

It’s an occasion that these of us round Texas will doubtless bear in mind for the remainder of our lives: The Massive Freeze of February 2021.

And although the reminiscence of the winter storm continues to be very contemporary in our minds, it’s necessary to recollect simply how unprecedented this occasion was for San Antonio and Texas as a complete.

RECORDS ON RECORDS ON RECORDS

The state-wide chilly and snow in February 2021 had been ones for the document books:

Winter Storm Warnings statewide: For the primary time, in accordance with the Nationwide Climate Service, EVERY county within the state was beneath a Winter Storm Warning by Sunday, Feb. 14.

-8 levels wind chill: The Austin/San Antonio Nationwide Climate Service issued its first-ever Wind Chill Warning on Feb. 15. On the morning of Feb. 15, San Antonio achieved its second coldest wind chill since data have been saved on this statistic (1947). Based on the data, San Antonio noticed a wind chill of -12 levels in 1949. General, San Antonio has solely seen sub-zero wind chills eight instances since 1947.
107.5 hours at or under 33 levels: Beginning on Feb. 12 and persevering with by means of early Feb. 17, San Antonio noticed below-freezing temperatures. Amazingly, this got here up 90 minutes wanting the document of 109 hours under 33 levels in January 1951. That is by far the newest in a season that San Antonio has had such a stretch.
4 separate calendar days with measurable snow: That is the primary time in San Antonio’s historical past that we had obtained snow on 4 separate calendar days in a single winter season: Jan. 10 (0.2″), Feb. 14 (1.2″), Feb. 15 (2.5″), and Feb. 18 (2.5″). It ought to be famous that in 1951 we obtained 0.4″ on Jan. 29, a hint on Jan. 30, 0.5″ on Jan. 31, and 0.4″ on Feb. 14.
third snowiest winter of all time: The winter of 2020-2021 and this winter totaled as much as 6.4″ of snow — the third snowiest ever. Within the winter of 1984-1985, we obtained 15.9″. In 1925-1926, San Antonio noticed 7.4″

Courtesy: Nationwide Climate Service, Austin/San Antonio

9-degree low temperature: On the morning of Feb. 15, San Antonio Worldwide Airport dipped to 9 levels, which ties for the eighth coldest temperature of all time. This occurred because the snow was exiting the area and the skies had been clearing.
5 document lows in a single week: San Antonio set document lows on Feb. 14, 15, 16, 19, and 20.

11.2 inches of snow in Del Rio, most of all time: On Feb. 18, a second spherical of snow introduced 11.2 inches to Del Rio. That is the biggest all-time snowfall, beating the earlier document of 8.7 inches on Jan. 12 and 13 of 1985.
Two ice occasions and two snow occasions: There’s no document for this stat, however San Antonio noticed basically 4 separate winter climate occasions over the course of every week: The primary spherical of freezing rain was reported in Hill Nation on Feb. 11. Freezing drizzle fell for a lot on the world on Feb. 14, adopted by snow late on the 14 and into the 15. One other spherical of freezing rain fell on the morning of Feb. 17, with a remaining snowfall on Feb. 18. You may wager this received’t occur once more anytime quickly.
seventh coldest February of all time: February 2021 ranks because the seventh coldest since data have been saved (1885), because of the arctic outbreak. That’s with a number of days within the 70s and one within the 80s earlier than and after the bitter-cold stretch.

ERCOT Energy Grid Failure

That is the half that made the winter storm of February 2021 actually devastating.

Whereas we nonetheless would have seen automotive crashes and lack of agriculture from the chilly, ice, and snow, ERCOT’s failure to maintain the lights on created panic and may even be attributed to deaths as a result of hyperthermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and lack of entry to medical tools.

‘Energy Grid Failure: What Went Fallacious,’ the collaboration between KSAT Explains and KSAT Investigates, examines the February storm and its aftermath. You may watch the particular within the video participant above on-demand.

REMEMBER: Pics from February 2021

Regardless of the catastrophic impacts of the facility grid failure, the snow and ice round San Antonio made for a “winter wonderland.” Listed below are some gorgeous photos from these days two years in the past:

The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio. (KSAT 12)

(Pictures of the snow throughout the San Antonio space throughout February.) (KSAT)

An aerial view of San Antonio’s Northeast Aspect lined in snow in February 2021 submitted by KSAT Join consumer jwill03. (KSAT)

Engineer sweeping the snow out of satellite tv for pc dish to improved reception. If the dish is stuffed with snow, the sign degrades and isn’t usable. (KSAT 12)

A Park Policeman patrols alongside the River Stroll as snow falls, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in San Antonio. Snow, ice and sub-freezing climate proceed to wreak havoc on the state’s energy grid and utilities. (AP Picture/Eric Homosexual) (Copyright 2021 The Related Press. All rights reserved.)

2-year-old Wesley walks within the snow through the winter storm in San Antonio. (KSAT)

Kids play with a sled as snow begins to build up, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in San Antonio. Snow, ice and sub-freezing climate proceed to wreak havoc on the state’s energy grid and utilities. (AP Picture/Eric Homosexual) (Copyright 2021 The Related Press. All rights reserved.)

Two folks play within the snow in San Antonio, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. Snow and ice blanketed giant swaths of the U.S. on Sunday, prompting canceled flights, making driving perilous and reaching into areas as far south as Texas’ Gulf Coast, the place snow and sleet had been anticipated in a single day. (AP Picture/Eric Homosexual) (Copyright 2021 The Related Press. All rights reserved.)

Mission San Juan (KSAT 12)

Snow day in San Antonio throughout February winter storm 2021. (KSAT 12)

Espada Park (KSAT 12)

Arneson River Theatre lined in snow in February 2021. (KSAT 12)

When you’d wish to submit your photos from the February 2021 winter storm, you are able to do so on our KSAT Join web page.

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Texas

I’ve traveled all over Texas. This small town in the Hill Country captivated me the most.

Published

1 hour ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

I’ve traveled all over Texas. This small town in the Hill Country captivated me the most.

I arrived at the San Antonio International Airport and stepped outside to meet my ride. The dry, hot air gave me an instant flashback to my days intermittently working in the West Texas oilfield. I’ve seen quite a bit of the Lone Star State and couldn’t wait to get to Fredericksburg. I’d heard so much about this cute historical German town in the Texas Hill Country.

After an hour’s drive, the shuttle driver and my host said, “We’re on Wine Road 290.” The county has over 75 wineries, vineyards, and wine-tasting rooms. I thought, “What a perfect getaway for Texans and travelers flying into the area.”

A unique stay in a whimsical hideaway

Blue Sage No. 12

I wasn’t surprised to see the rolling hills as we drove toward the property I was staying at outside town. But I was astonished at how green this part of Texas was, especially since I was visiting at the end of the summer. I learned that Fredericksburg is home to the largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms, and seeing the fields of flowers is a popular activity during the spring. People come from all over to admire the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and red poppies.

We pulled up to Blue Sage, where I was staying, and I was instantly excited to check in to my accommodations — No. 12. The dark blue treehouse-inspired cottages looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. As I toured the inside of mine, I was awed by the warm and inviting boho decor. The loft room, with a giant soak tub overlooking the woods, was grounding, and I knew I had found a comfy weekday retreat.

After resting and freshening up from the long travel day, I met with friends to enjoy cocktails at Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen in Fredericksburg’s historic district. We sipped and savored a handcrafted cocktail and a few small bites in their relaxing lounge area before heading to Hill & Vine for dinner. Known for their Southern staples, trying Texas wine and their black-eyed pea hummus was delicious.

Hike at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock on a blue sky day / Ashlee hiking the Summit Trail

In 2023, over 300,000 people visited Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s a popular place for hiking, camping, and bird-watching – many migratory birds fly through.

The iconic rock feature is one billion years old, and you can hike to the top of the pink granite dome along the Summit Trail. The climb is steep, but the views of Hill Country are worth the trek.

Planning tip: Be sure to make reservations to visit the park. October through May are the busiest times of the year to explore, and parking is limited.

After hiking, we drove back into town for lunch at Hill Country Herb Garden. Their menu is curated with wellness in mind and rotates seasonally. I had a beautiful kale and quinoa salad with steak, just what my body needed after the morning’s hike. After lunch, we toured the herb gardens, gift shop, and spa — they make custom scents. There are even 14 quaint little cottages on the property you can book for lodging.

Learn about Fredericksburg’s German heritage

Outside of the Vereins Kirche Museum / Lunch at the Hill Country Herb Garden

Germans immigrated to the area in the mid-1800s after being enticed by promises of a new life. It wasn’t just Germans; Danish and Swiss settlers also made their way to Fredericksburg. You can learn more about the town’s history at the Vereins Kirche Museum and the Pioneer Museum.

You can do a self-guided tour of a historic homestead at the Pioneer Museum and see inside the buildings, including a traditional Sunday house. A Sunday house is where families that lived out of town and worked on farms and ranches would stay on the weekends so they could attend church.

After an exciting day of hiking and tours, we ended the evening with an Italian-inspired dinner at Alla Campagna. The savory Heritage Chicken Risotto and a Texas white wine were the perfect way to end the day. I couldn’t resist topping the day off with a few bites of homemade chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio gelato.

A morning of local retail therapy

Row of cowboy boots at Allens Boots / Breakfast at the Keidel Pharmacy

The following day, we drove into town and had breakfast at Keidel Pharmacy inside the new Albert Hotel (the largest hotel on the main street, opening in January 2025). I was pleased to start the day with a piece of gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake and an almond milk London Fog latte.

Afterward, I spent a few hours window shopping and checking out all the cute local stores, such as Carol Hicks Bolton, Blackchalk Home + Laundry, Allens Boots, and Flying Cow Tallow.

For lunch, we grabbed a glass of rosé and a quick salad at Standard Public House before heading to the vineyards for wine tasting.

Discover Fredericksburg’s wine scene

Wine tasting at Meierstone Vineyards / Airis’Ele Vineyards — Meierstone Vineyards / Airis’Ele Vineyards

While traveling, there is something glamorous and fun about visiting local wineries, hearing stories from the owners, and tasting wine. Our first stop was Meierstone Vineyards. Krystal Patel’s family has been making 100% Texas wine for seven generations, starting in the 1840s. I loved the white wine flight, and their 2023 Trebbiano was my favorite.

Next, we visited Airis’Ele Vineyards. Their team has over 40 years of experience in the wine business. I found their wine-tasting room welcoming, with big windows for Summer Tanager bird-watching. Their sweet Bienvenue was refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Don’t miss this family-run farmstand

Last, we headed to Das Peach Haus farmstand, which has been in business for over 50 years. The Fischer & Wieser family business sells local wines made from 100% Texas grapes, fruit jams, jellies, sauces, and other delectable artisanal goods.

Deanna Fischer, the Chief Experience Officer, shared that the company’s goal is to “Create flavorful experiences that make people happy.”

You can sample many of the farmstand’s specialty foods to select your favorites before purchasing. I appreciated that each jar provides examples of how to pair it with your next happy hour hors d’œuvre or cozy dinner at home. You can also take one of their cooking classes or have a hand-crafted cocktail at Dietz Distillery, which is next door.

It’s nice to see places like this still preserving family, food, and faith in the community.

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Texas

Where is Texas vs. Arizona? Peach Bowl game location info, details, CFP schedule

Published

9 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

Where is Texas vs. Arizona? Peach Bowl game location info, details, CFP schedule

Texas football is preparing to face the champion of its old conference in the College Football Playoff, with Big 12 champion Arizona State awaiting in the Peach Bowl.

Texas was tested in the first round, defeating Clemson 34-24 behind a rejuvenated running attack led by Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner. However, the Sun Devils, winners of six straight games, also have a fierce rushing attack led by running back Cam Skattebo, who has run for 1,568 yards rushing and 22 total touchdowns.

BUY TICKETS FOR TEXAS VS. ARIZONA STATE HERE

The Peach Bowl is held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta the same site of Texas’ loss to Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game. The winner will advance to the Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State or Big Ten champion Oregon will await. Ohio State advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Tennessee at home, 42-17.

Here’s everything to know about the upcoming game:

Where is Texas vs Arizona State?

Texas will travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to face Arizona State. It is also the location of the national championship game.

CFP Bowl locations

Peach Bowl

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Matchup: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Arizona State

Fiesta Bowl

Location: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Matchup: No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State

Sugar Bowl

Location: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Matchup: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame

Rose Bowl

Location: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Matchup: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon

Texas vs. Arizona State tickets

Tickets for Texas’ game against Arizona State are available here.

CFP schedule

Playoff quarterfinals

All times in CT

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Fiesta Bowl, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 1

Peach Bowl, noon

Rose Bowl, 4 p.m.

Sugar Bowl, 7:45 p.m.

Playoff semifinals

All times in CT

Thursday, Jan. 9

Orange Bowl, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10

Cotton Bowl, 6:30 p.m.

Playoff Championship

Monday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. CT

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Texas

Texas Longhorns vs. Arizona State Sun Devils College Football Playoff Preview

Published

17 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Press Room

Texas Longhorns vs. Arizona State Sun Devils College Football Playoff Preview

The Texas Longhorns are three games away from a national championship, and for the quarterfinal matchup against Arizona State, the Horns will travel to a familiar field.

Texas will take on the Sun Devils at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the same venue that hosted the SEC Championship loss to Georgia.

The new opponents have a similar story to Texas: a conference newcomer that dominated the veterans.

Arizona State joined Texas’ former conference, the Big 12, and had a breakthrough season. The Sun Devils defeated Iowa State in the conference championship to take the trophy home in their maiden season.

The Sun Devils are led by redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Michigan State. Leavitt has recorded 192 completions in 304 passing attempts for 24 touchdowns.

The defense is also led by a transfer player out of New Mexico State. Junior defensive back Myles Rowser has recorded 88 tackles and one sack.

Arizona State only dropped two games this season, both in conference play at Cincinnati and Texas Tech. The season record and championship clinch earned the Sun Devils the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff, awarding them with a bye week in the first round.

Texas, on the other hand, fell to Georgia in the championship game and dropped to the fifth seed, while the Bulldogs earned the second. But that wasn’t enough to stop the Longhorns from advancing.

The Horns had no issues defeating ACC champion Clemson in the first round at home.

Texas and Arizona State will face each other on New Year’s Day for a spot in the semifinals.

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