How Did I Miss “Cobblestone Ice”?

In last week’s column about the cold winter that we have had, I brought up two new weather phrases that I learned this past winter—“polar vortex” and “thunder sleet”.  It was brought to my attention that I missed probably the most popular new weather phrase—“cobblestone ice”!

I had a good excuse for forgetting that phrase—I was out of the country during that time in a much warmer place.  But when I returned, I did hear the phrase and it made me laugh.  But after hearing it and seeing it, it was a perfect description to describe the rough surface that had developed on the roads.

I don’t have to remind you that this winter has been a cold one.  Thru February, the DFW area has had more freezes (51) than any other in over 30 years.  The record for most freezes thru February is 62, which was set in 1977-1978.  In addition, it was the 20^th coldest on record according to the National Weather Service.

Soon the phrases “polar vortex”, “thunder sleet”, and “cobblestone ice” will be a distant memory as we enjoy the Texas heat while participating in outdoor activities—such as enjoying our swimming pools.