Burn Bans
December 5 - Rain Delays Return of Burn Ban: Residents needed to burn up debris and the rain allowed for it.
The Huntsville Item, Tori Brock, December 5, 2011.
December 22 - County Commissioners Lift Burn Ban Following Moist Weather: Lubbock County lifts the burn ban.
KJTV Lubbock, Henry Ramos, December 22, 2011.
December 26 - Burn Ban Still in Effect Despite Last Week's Rain: Victoria
County does not lift the burn ban.
Victoria Advocate, J. R. Ortega, December 26, 2011.
Wildfires
December 12 - Lightning Likely Sparked Worst Wildfire in East Texas History: Photos and reports were reviewed.
The Houston Chronicle, Cindy Horswell, December 12, 2011.
December 14 - Tri-County Fire Linked to Lightning Strike: According to a report from the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office, lightning may have caused the fire.
The Courier of Montgomery County, Jennifer Bell, December 14, 2011.
December 17 - Snyder Family Getting Help Clearing Fire Debris Today: Austinites head to Bastrop to help a family that was hurt by wildfires.
The Austin-American Statesman, Nicole Villalpando, December 17, 2011.
December 27 - Wildfires, Improved Economy Brought More Passengers to and from Abilene Regional Airport: Firefighters were amongst the many passengers that traveled through the Abilene airport.
Abilene Reporter News, Brennan Peel, December 27, 2011.
Drought
Monthly Change in Drought Monitor Classification
December 6 - Drought Conditions Hang Tough: The recent rain in Denton was a relief, but experts believe the drought conditions will persist.
Denton Record Chronicle, Matthew Zabel, December 5, 2011.
December 12 - Expert Remains Realistic About Drought Forecast: State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon shares his thoughts on the drought forecast.
Country World (Sulphur Springs), Clay Coppedge, December 12, 2011.
December 15 - NWS Meteorologist Helps ICA Understand Drought: Bad news did not bode well for coming year because of the drought.
The Gonzales Cannon, Dave Mundy, December 15, 2011.
December 19 - Snow, Ice Won't Crack Record Dry Year: Lubbock faces its driest year on record.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Adam Young, December 19, 2011.
December 22 - Rain Saves Us From a Dubious Year-end Record: Luckily, Houston did not have to mark 2011 as the driest year in their recorded history.
The Houston Chronicle, Eric Berger, December 22, 2011.
December 23 - Rain Was Perfect Christmas Gift for Central Texas: The rain provided a brief respite from the drought.
San Antonio Express News, Forrest Mims III, December 23, 2011.
December 24 - Brush Management: What to Do and Not to DO in a Drought: It is part of a webinar series given by the AgriLife Extension Service.
The Vindicator (Liberty County), Kay Ledbetter, December 24, 2011.
December 26 - County Record Shortfall on Rainfall: Montgomery County experiences its driest year in recorded history.
The Courier of Montgomery County, Howard Roden, December 26, 2011.
December 27 - Two New Books for Understanding the Drought: The current devastating drought and above normal temperatures could become the new normal.
StateImpact Texas, Terrence Henry, December 27, 2011.
December 28 - Drought Defines 2011; Leads Top 10 Stories of the Year: Climatic impacts played a major role in the lives of residents in the Woodlands.
The Woodlands Villager, Ed Chance, Tim Holifield, December 28, 2011.
December 31 - Texas Drought May Leave Long-Lasting Damage: The years to come will feel the effects of the 2011 drought.
San Marcos Mercury, Brad Rollins, December 31, 2011.
Water Supply
December 5 - Rain Does Little to Redeem Lake Levels: Lake Travis rises slightly, but there is little effect on the long term outcomes.
KXAN Austin, Jacqueline Ingles, December 5, 2011.
December 8 - Drought-Stricken Robert Lee Races Clock to Fix Water Problem: The town hurries to find water for its residents.
KTXS Abilene, Ashlei King, December 8, 2011.
December 10 - Stage 2 Water Restrictions Start January 2nd: Conroe residents must move to harsher restrictions at the start of the new year.
The Courier of Montgomery County, Howard Roden, December 10, 2011.
December 11 - New Water Restrictions for Dallas Customers: Stage 1 water restrictions were put into effect.
KERA Dallas, BJ Austin, December 11, 2011.
December 13 - New Water-Use Rules may be on Tap: Denton residents are expected to see mandatory water restrictions in the next year.
Denton Record Chronicle, Lowell Brown, December 13, 2011.
December 17 - Out-of-state Water Companies Chase Big Profits in Texas: Other companies try to take advantage of the drought-stricken residents in Texas.
The Austin American Statesman, Eric Dexheimer, December 17, 2011.
December 19 - Nacogdoches to Consider Stage 2 of Drought Contingency Plan: Water supplies are very low and East Texans have to adjust their water use.
KTRE Lufkin, Francesca Washington, December 19, 2011.
December 20 - Recent Rain Not Helping Aquifer Enough to Lift Water Restrictions: New Braunfels residents are unable to remove the water restrictions.
KGNB New Braunfels, December 20, 2011.
December 21 - Water Planners Urged to Base Needs on Centuries, Not Decades, of Drought Data: The current drought situation may not be harsh enough compared to what is to come.
The Austin-American Statesman, Farzad Mashhood, December 21, 2011.
December 29 - Deal to Supply 'Drought-Proof' Water Source Finalized: More than 200, 000 acres of water were finally secured for Lubbock and the South Plains.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Tommy Magelssen, December 29, 2011.
December 30 - Leaks Cost Drought-Hit Houston 18 Billion Gallons: This drastically affected water supplies.
KTRK Houston, Associated Press, December 30, 2011.
December 30 - More Beneficial Rain: Fort Parker Lake rose 32 inches during the month of December.
The Groesbeck Journal, Keith Tilley, December 30, 2011.
Agricultural Impacts
December 6 - Drought Claims Most of Big Country Pecan Crop: Many pecans were lost to the drought conditions in 2011.
KTXS Abilene, Ashlei King, December 6, 2011.
December 16 - Texas Drought Takes Cow Numbers Down by 600K: 2011 has witnessed one of the worst declines the cattle industry has ever faced.
San Antonio Express News, Betsy Blaney, December 16, 2011.
December 17 - 2011 Was Tough on Cattle Industry, Causing Record Sell-Off: Economists believe the price of beef will rise.
KTXS Abilene, Casey James, December 17, 2011.
December 22 - Rain Makes Little Impact to Ranchers and Farmers: Farmers and ranchers are still distressed amidst the devastating drought.
The Eagle, Shauna Lewis, December 21, 2011.
December 26 - December Rain Turns Winter Wheat Crop Around: Above normal accumulated rainfall for the region provides hope for a better crop yield.
San Angelo Standard Times, Jerry Lackey, December 26, 2011.
December 27 - Farmers, Ranchers Bank on Rain: The recent rains have provided hope for farmers in North Texas.
Times Record News, Hanaba Munn Welch, December 27, 2011.
Inclement Weather
December 5 - Light Snow in Texas, Some Power Outages: West Texas residents lost power after the storm.
San Antonio Express News, Associated press, December 5, 2011.
December 21 - After 2 Days, Family's Ordeal in Snow Ends Happily: A League City family is rescued in New Mexico.
The Houston Chronicle, Lindsay Wise, December 21, 2011.
December 25 - West Texas Snowfall Reports: Storm systems dumped measurable snow on West Texas.
KJTV Lubbock, Chase Thomason, December 25, 2011.
December 28 - Morning Cloud Swirl Proved Eye-catching: A hole-punch cloud was observed over Austin.
KXAN Austin, December 28, 2011.
December 30 - Hail of Lawsuits as Abilene Building Owners Go to Court with Insurance Companies: Hail damage causes concern for many Abilene residents.
Abilene Reporter News, Jaime Adame, December 30, 2011.
Winter Weather
December 7 - Shelters Activate Cold Weather Plan: Austin homeless shelters prepare for the coming winter.
KXAN Austin, Doug Shupe, December 7, 2011.
December 9 - Ready for Summer After First Cold Spell: As one gets older, snow turns from fun to annoying.
The Plainview Herald, Jessica Thornton, December 9, 2011.
December 11 - 2-1-1 Texas Still in Need of Heaters: Residents of the Texas Panhandle are hard pressed to survive the cold and are in need of space heaters.
Connect Amarillo, Emily Griffin, December 11, 2011.
December 15 - Some Sleet Reported as Wet Conditions Persist in Big Country: The precipitation will help with the drought conditions.
Abilene Reporter News, December 15, 2011.
December 23 - Cloud 9 Charities Helping Homeless Local Families Stay Safe and Warm: People to action to help others stay warm this holiday season.
Allen Publishing, Eric Williams, December 23, 2011.
December 25 - Possible Weather Related Death: Authorities believe a man may have passed away after exposure to colder temperatures.
KTSM El Paso, Amber Downing, December 25, 2011.
December 26 - Brownsville Mom Arrested After Boy Found Wandering Barefoot, Cold: A two-year-old boy was discovered in a mall parking lot amidst cold and drizzling weather.
Valley Central, December 26, 2011.
Hurricanes/Tropical Weather
December 7 - Algorithm Helps Predict Hurricane Intensity, Wind Speed: The Prediction Intensity Interval model for Hurricanes helps, bur is not the answer for understanding hurricanes.
Red Orbit, December 7, 2011.
December 8 - Seasonal Hurricane Forecasters Dump December Forecast, Citing No Predictive Value: Gray and Klotzbach decide to not issue a six-month hurricane forecast.
The Houston Chronicle, Eric Berger, December 8, 2011.
December 20 - Latest Hurricane-related Insurance Suits Filed in Jefferson County Courts: The claims are a result of Hurricane Ike.
The Southeast Texas Record, Kelly Holleran, December 20, 2011.
Severe Weather
December 6 - Lightning Sparks Tyler House Fire: Coke cans were pierced by the electricity.
KLTV Tyler, Samantha Jordan, December 6, 2011.
December 13 - Insurance Company has $6 Million Dispute with Hockley County: A dispute arose after a massive hail storm in Hockley County.
KCBD Lubbock, James Clark, December 13, 2011.
Other Climate Impacts
December 7 - Today's Severe Drought, Tomorrow's Normal: Scientists warn that the current drought conditions may become the normal for the Texas climate.
Environmental Protection, December 7, 2011.
December 9 - Harris County Emergency Operations Center Welcomes End of Hurricane Season: Their focus shifts to the continuing drought and fire dangers.
Ultimate Memorial, Franz Osorio, December 9, 2011.
December 19 - Ranchers React to Effects of Recent Rain: Mud pits and soggy fields become a pleasant surprise to folks in the Windmill Country.
San Angelo Standard Times, Jerry Lackey, December 19, 2011.
December 21 - Heat, Drought, Fire, and Ice: Looking Back on a Year of Wild Texas Weather. A quick summary of the severe climate impacts during 2011.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram, Steve Campbell, December 21, 2011.
December 24 - Cordell: Don't Base Policy on Bad Science: A climate change article is refuted.
Amarillo Globe News, Gordon Cordell, December 24, 2011.
December 25 - A Punishing Year: Records were broken in 2011 as Texas endured a plethora of weather events.
Denton Record Chronicle, Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe, December 25, 2011.
December 31 - Cherokee County's Top 10 Stories of 2011: The drought ranked first as the biggest story for Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Daily Progress, December 31, 2011.
Air/Water Quality
December 17 - How Will the Drought Affect the Mountain Cedar Forecast: This may be a relief for allergy sufferers.
WOAI San Antonio, John Gerard, December 17, 2011.
December 21 - Thanks to Drought, Houston's Drinking More of Dallas' Wastewater Than Ever Before: Unfortunate, but true.
Dallas Observer, Robert Wilonsky, December 21, 2011.
Animals/Aquatic Life
December 10 - Christmas Bird Count a Great Barometer on Texas Environment: Many individuals prepare to count the birds.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram, Art Chapman, December 10, 2011.
December 12 - Baby, it's Cold Outside! Take Precautions for Animals: How to prepare your pets for winter conditions.
Times Record News, Katrena Mitchell, December 12, 2011.
December 20 - Winterize Your Pet: Some helpful tips are provided for taking care of pets during the winter.
KSAT San Antonio, Barbara Besteni, December 20, 2011.
December 28 - Whooping Cranes Face Tough Season Because of Drought: The population numbers were down from previous years.
The Victoria Advocate, Dianna Wray, December 28, 2011.
December 29 - Drought Leads to Roaming Donkeys Across Texas: Animals are released because they can no longer be taken care of.
Abilene Reporter News, Brennan Peel, December 29, 2011.
Construction
December 18 - Galveston Mayor: 'I Don't Feel Threatened' by Contenders: After Hurricane Ike destroyed so many homes, mayoral candidates are pressing the home rebuilding issue.
KHOU Houston, Laura Elder, December 18, 2011.
December 25 - Gas Tubing Fires Linked to Lightning Raise Concern: Lightning-related gas fires have sparked concerns.
The Austin-American Statesman, Kantele Franko, December 25, 2011.
Economics
December 4 - Temps Drop, Hardware Store Sales Heat Up: People flock to the stores to gather supplies for the coming winter.
KFDA Amarillo, Kristen Guilfoos, December 4, 2011.
December 6 - During Devastating Drought, Parks & Wildlife Asking for Millions in Help: The budget was reduced due to the effects of drought, high temperatures, and wildfires.
StateImpact Texas, Terrence Henry, December 6, 2011.
December 10 - Diversion of Money Leaves TPWD Needing Help: Much of their budget was diverted elsewhere and the times seem desperate for the upkeep of Texas parks.
San Angelo Standard Times, John Gill, December 10, 2011.
December 19 - Fireworks Sellers Thankful for Rain: The sales begin as New Years Eve looms ahead.
San Antonio Express News, John Gonzalez, December 19, 2011.
December 27 - December Rain Helps Ranchers' Bets Pay Off: The cattle industry received a boost of rain that will help them struggle back into the economy.
Jacksonville Daily Progress, Karla Clark, December 27, 2011.
December 28 - Drought Leads More Businesses to Install Artificial Grass: Some companies take advantage of the driest year on record.
KUHF Houston, Andrew Schneider, December 28, 2011.\
December 31 - Turn Out the Lights - EPA Clashes with Local Power Plants: The county struggles to figure out its power situation.
Daily Tribune (Titus County), Bob Palmer, December 31, 2011.
December 31 - Parks Department Still Asking for Donations: A major revenue shortfall called for a plea for donations.
Austin360, Pam LeBlanc, December 31, 2011.
Homes/Gardening/Trees
December 7 - Remember Your Plants Outside During Cold Snap: Tips are provided for plant caretakers during cold spells.
KUHF Houston, Pat Hernandez, December 7, 2011.
December 8 - Drought Killing More Trees in Bryan: A century-old tree was removed from a city park.
KBTX Bryan, December 8, 2011.
December 9 - Five Herbs for the Holidays: Tips for gardeners provide fragrance and flavor.
The Houston Chronicle, Kathy Huber, December 9, 2011.
December 11 - Dear Santa: Bring Me a Rain Barrel: Water is a top concern, so water conversation systems are at the top of every gardener's wish list.
Odessa American, Deborah Benge-Frost, December 11, 2011.
December 13 - How to Keep Your Heat 'In' and the Cold 'Out' This Winter: Tips for home insulation and home improvement are provided.
KVII Amarillo, Emilly Griffin, December 13, 2011.
December 14 - Meet the Challenge of Landscaping in Drought: Tips for home gardening.
San Antonio Express News, Calvin Finch, December 14, 2011.
December 16 - Days of Rain Bring Fall Color to Austin, Help With Crops: Central Texas sees a real change in the seasons.
KVUE Austin, Andrew Horansky, December 16, 2011.
December 18 - Economy Partly to Blame for Increase in House Fires: People are looking for other, more dangerous ways to stay warm during the winter.
KYTX Tyler, Courtney Friedman, December 18, 2011.
December 20 - Up to 10 Percent of Trees in Texas Woodlands Dead From Drought: In a preliminary survey, 100 million to 500 million trees have been lost.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram, Steve Campbell, December 20, 2011.
December 22 - After a Long Drought, Experts Predict a Colorful Spring for the Texas Hill Country: Wildflowers are expected to be bright and in full bloom.
Hill Country Current, December 22, 2011.
December 23 - Hoping to Steal a Kiss this Christmas? Texas Drought Making Mistletoe Scarce: Some mistletoe species have been drought resistant and survived to provide kisses.
The Austin-American Statesman, Nancy Flores, December 23, 2011.
December 29 - Home Rain Barrels Save Residents Money, Water: Residents seek to conserve water during the drought.
Star Local News, Dan Eakin, December 29, 2011.
December 30 - Make a Game Plan for Smarter Gardening During the New Year: The drought of 2011 provided a lot of room for growth for techniques.
The Houston Chronicle, Kathy Huber, December 30, 2011.
Health
December 13 - Hometown Health: The Texas A&M Health Science Center provides tips for healthy holiday skin amongst other things.
The Eagle, December 13, 2011.
December 18 - Your Guide to Seasonal Allergies: It is a big time for allergies and some helpful tips are provided.
The Austin-American Statesman, Dale Roe, December 18, 2011.
Hunting/Fishing
December 3 - Rain Changes Deer Patterns: A cold front brought rain to South Texas and the hunting and fishing conditions improved.
The Victoria Advocate, Bink Grimes, December 3, 2011.
December 3 - Despite Drought Conditions, Bass Fishing Prospects Good for O.H. Ivie and Beyond: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provided good news for bass fishing potential in many lakes.
San Angelo Standard Times, John Gill, December 3, 2011.
December 14 - Despite Record Drought, Texas' Deer Hunting Season a Hit: Deer have fared better than previously expected.
The Houston Chronicle, Shannon Tompkins, December 14, 2011.
Recreation/Leisure/Athletics
December 3 - Snow Hill in the Forecast Next Weekend: The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce brought back Mt. Kilgore for another Holiday season as people from all over the area visit this unique event.
Kilgore News Herald, James Draper, December 3, 2011.
December 3 - It's Raining on a lot of Parades This Weekend: Many annual Christmas parades were postponed or cancelled due to the much-needed rain in the DFW Metroplex.
WFAA Dallas-Ft. Worth, Jonathan Betz, December 3, 2011.
December 4 - White Rock Marathon Leaves Everyone Cold, Wet: Participants and spectators endured the winter weather.
NBC 5 Dallas-Ft. Worth, Julie Tam, December 4, 2011.
December 9 - Snow Forecast in West Houston: Annual Wonderland in Westchase Set for Next Week: The eighth annual Wonderland was put on for the Houston area.
The Memorial Examiner, December 9, 2011.
December 10 - Divers Chill Out for Special Olympics: Teams of bone-chilled supporters participated in a diving competition in Lubbock.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Adam Young, December 10, 2011.
December 11 - Take Precautions Before Working Out in the Cold: For marathons out in the cold, some helpful tips are provided.
El Paso Times, Michelle Zapanta, December 11, 2011.
December 14 - No Rain, No Fireworks: Unless rain ventures into West Texas, fireworks will not be showed over Ector County.
CBS 7 Midland, Mike Barker, December 14, 2011.
December 15 - Stay Safe, Upright in Kayaks During Cold Weather: Novice kayakers should wait for warmer weather to come around before they get experience under their belts.
Killeen Daily Herald, Jeff Warren, December 15, 2011.
December 16 - Rain Didn't Stop the Lanier Party: Over 7,000 guests enjoyed the Christmas Celebration of Cheer and Charity in Houston amidst the rain.
The Houston Chronicle, Sarah Tressler, December 16, 2011.
December 23 - North Texans Endure Soggy Last-minute Christmas Shopping: Rains batter shoppers and roads are slick.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram, Alex Branch, December 23, 2011.
December 24 - Snow in El Paso not an Obstacle for Tamale Lovers: This holiday traditions thrives in the snowy weather.
El Paso Times, Maria Gonzalez, December 24, 2011.
December 29 - Nights Cold But Bright in January: Stargazing is an open option for the holidays.
Times Record News, Mike Lynch, December 29, 2011.
Roads/Traffic/Travel
December 4 - Phone App Developed to Help Stranded Texas Motorists: A helpful application will aid Texans during snow and ice storms, and has been added to the Texas Extension Disaster Education Network.
Occupational Health & Safety, December 4, 2011.
December 5 - Snow Makes Treacherous Driving Conditions: Amarillo police have responded to over one hundred major and minor traffic accidents.
Amarillo Globe News, Brittany Nunn, Joe Gamm, Russell Anglin, December 5, 2011.
December 8 - Snow, Ice Add Stress to Bus Routes: Plainview bus drivers are in for a rough winter.
The Plainview Herald, Kevin Lewis, December 8, 2011.
December 12 - Drought Has Been Hard on Roads: The drought has caused problems for central Texas roads.
KUT Austin, Lucia Duncan, December 12, 2011.
December 15 - TxDOT Reminds Drivers to Slow Down in the Rain: East Texas roads can be dangerous in wet conditions.
Lufkin Daily News, Jessica Cooley, December 15, 2011.
December 16 - Rain Falls Across Southeast Texas: Traffic accidents and delays were a result of the wet roads.
KFDM, Scott Lawrence, December 16, 2011.
December 18 - Fort Worth Transportation District Gets Eight Snowplow Attachments for Dump Trucks: After the debaucle of the recent Super Bowl, Fort Worth stepped up its preparations.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram, Gordon Dickson, December 18, 2011.
December 24 - Snow Strands Greyhound Passengers in El Paso: Travelers were kept from their Christmas destinations.
KVUE El Paso, December 24, 2011.
