The year ended with the worst winter weather since the record snowfall storm of December 1998.  A strong upper level low pressure system passing over an arctic airmass at the surface resulted in ice and snow across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.  Thunder snow and Thunder sleet, a rare occurrence, were even noted. 

The event began with some light freezing rain, then changed over to sleet and snow.  Most accumulations were around an inch, with up to 3 inches of snowfall reported at Hobbs.  To the north of the area Lubbock received between 7 and 10 inches of snow, and Amarillo received 20 inches of snow. 

This storm passed to the east and created havoc across much of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.  Many persons in the Ark-La-Tex region were without power for well over a week.  Not surprising travel around Texas was greatly affected and over 1000 motorists became stranded on I-20 at Ranger Hill do to an accident at that location.  The National Guard even had to use Humvees to rescue many of the people stuck in that traffic jam and bring much needed supplies to the rest of them.   As of December 29th, this winter storm had resulted in 40 deaths, with 22 of them being in Texas and 4 in New Mexico.  The Midland/Odessa National Weather Service office would like to emphasize the importance of being prepared for hazardous winter weather.   See the MM5 story on page 5 for more on this event.

In preparation for the up coming severe weather season, spotter training classes have been scheduled.  These classes will begin in January and continue into April. 

The course will be a multimedia
presentation lasting for two hours.  Topics will include spotter safety, thunderstorm formation, and spotter techniques.

If you have interest in attending one of the spotter talks listed in the schedule to the right, or if you want your community
included in the spotter training schedule, please call 915-563-5006 and ask for Pat Vesper.  Odessa has not been scheduled yet.