Rare snow storm cancels classes
Lamar University and the greater Southeast Texas area faced unusual weather, now known as Winter Storm Enzo, Jan. 21.
The National Weather Service issued the first-ever blizzard warning for Beaumont, with snowfall reaching up to five inches. The university closed in-person and online classes from Jan. 21-23.
High temperatures for Jan. 21 hit 35 degrees and with a low of 17 degrees.
On Jan. 22, Beaumont recorded a low of 11 degrees, which was the area’s coldest temperature reported from the National Weather Service since 1901.
Interstate-10 was covered in severe ice with officials encouraging people to stay home and drip their faucets overnight to avoid any pipes from freezing.
While faced with three days of winter, LU students put on their winter coats and played in the snow, having snowball fights, making snow angels and even building snowmen.
Landon Kellar, Port Neches sophomore, said their typically busy street was serene and quiet.
“It was nice to have a moment of tranquility, even if it may be fleeting,” they said.
Jason Garcia, Beaumont senior, said he walked around in the snow and slid down the ditch in his backyard.
“It was pretty fun, and the fact that it’s so rare made it pretty cool,” he said.
Classes resumed Jan. 24.
