San Antonio transformed into a winter wonderland during the February 2021 storm.
Three years after the February 2021 winter storm, San Antonio reflects on the chaos and impact of the record-breaking cold that overwhelmed the city. From the picturesque snowy streets to the tragic loss of life due to power failures, the effects of the storm are still felt. Events have shaped community resilience and conversation around preparation for future weather events. A special feature explores this historic moment, inviting residents to share their memories and photos of those challenging days.
Ah, February. It’s a month filled with love, heart-shaped chocolates, and usually, a hint of the warm, sunny weather that San Antonio is known for. But back in 2021, everything changed in a big way. Just a week after Valentine’s Day, a fierce winter storm slammed into Texas, catching many by surprise and leading to chaos that still lingers in our memories three years later.
When we talk about extreme weather, it feels like the February 2021 winter storm wanted to outdo every icy blast that came before it. Record-breaking cold swept across San Antonio and much of Texas, making headlines as it set what felt like, a record every single day. The city, quite accustomed to its warm temperatures, found itself buried under snow, marking this event as one of the most significant weather occurrences in modern history. For San Antonio, the last time any noticeable snowfall happened was precisely on February 18, 2021, when residents were shocked to see their environment transformed into a winter wonderland.
However, amid the picturesque snow-covered streets lay a darker reality. The failure of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to provide consistent power during this bone-chilling weather led to widespread panic and loss. It’s heartbreaking to know that lives were lost due to hyperthermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even the lack of access to essential medical equipment. This catastrophic event not only brought snow but also a harsh reminder of the vulnerabilities we all face when nature turns fierce.
Since the official weather records began in San Antonio back in 1885, measurable snow has graced the city 32 times—averaging once every four years. But the sheer intensity of the 2021 storm was something that many would argue had not been experienced at any time in recent memory. In Houston, also unaccustomed to wintery weather, significant snowfalls have only occurred in three winters since 2000. Previous winter wonderland situations have also included records of 1 inch or more, but February 2021 stood apart. To give you a little perspective, the most snow recorded in San Antonio was a staggering 15.9 inches back in January 1985. How times have changed!
As we look back, the aftermath of that storm is still echoing in conversations today. To delve deeper into this historic weather event and its impacts, a special feature titled “Power Grid Failure: What Went Wrong” has been made available for viewers. This engaging exploration discusses everything from the storm itself to the aftermath it left behind. For those who lived through those chilly days of February 2021, it might be a great opportunity to revisit the memories—both good and bad. You can catch it streaming on-demand online!
If you have any great photos from that unforgettable week or stories to share, now is your chance to be part of the narrative! There’s a dedicated platform where you can submit your pictures, helping to document this moment in history. Sharing experiences through photographs connects us as a community and gives us a chance to remember together.
As we gather our thoughts and look back on this significant event in San Antonio’s history, we are reminded that nature can be as beautiful as it is fierce. The February 2021 winter storm taught us lessons about preparation, resilience, and the importance of looking out for one another in times of distress. So, let’s hold on to these memories—both the snowy ones and how we came together as a community to face the unexpected.
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