2007-01-16 03:22:09 · 14 answers · asked by Bri 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Not only are people not as used to it, the Texas Dept of Transportation isn't as prepared for it. Since it's rare, they can't possibly have as much of a budget to spend on things like plows, road salt, gravel spreaders, etc, as maybe the NY Dept of Transportation. The roads take longer to clear, so if there were a really bad storm, it probably could be possible to be stuck somewhere for a bit. Probably not long enough to need emergency supplies, but you just don't want to find yourself wishing you hadn't put off going to the store. Unnecessary, yes, but not outrageous.
2007-01-16 03:31:06 · answer #1 · answered by Gerfried 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you ever lived through a bad winter storm then you'll know. You see, places where they don't usually get much winter weather don't maintain a fleet of snow machines to keep the roads open. They have their electrical transformers unprotected. They have a lot of their water pipes, electrical power lines, etc. all exposed.
So lets say they get their once in a life-time winter storm, what happens. The roads are impassable, the electricity is gone, the water doesn't flow... If its ever happened to you, even once, then you'd probably be hitting the grocery shelves before a storm too.
Its not that the people in the southern USA are stupid, or don't know how to drive in the snow, or that the people who plan their public electric/water services are inept, rather, its just an event that occurs too infrequently to justify any other response.
2007-01-16 03:34:35 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. D 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because that is what you are supposed to do in a winter weather warning.
Look what has happened to places like the Midwest. Roads were shut down, power was out, and no real travel could take place. Therefore, if you stocked up on food and supplies before the storm, you would be ok. If you didn't, you risk running out of food, water, heat, and electricity.
2007-01-16 04:17:23 · answer #3 · answered by Michael L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being in Colorado, I can't say too much about what you all do down there in Texas. But I have noticed, when we had our "little" storms up here certain supplies/food quickly disappeared. I do have some theories. Some of it is instinctual to gather supplies/food before a storm hits and to get the supplies/food before someone else does(hopefully, that part is very small in us). But I think a large part of it is that a lot of people do not have a lot of extra food on hand. With the convenience of going out to eat, ordering in, and/or picking up something coming home. Plus, there is the option of quickly running to store to pick up say a jug of milk, eggs, ... So when a strom is coming, people tend to gather as much as possible to be prepared(or appear to be prepared).
2007-01-16 06:50:09 · answer #4 · answered by drylander2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because many people here in Texas are from/live in areas that aren't used to snow or ice.And around here...there is no way of telling how bad it will get or where it will be the worst.One town might get tons of snow,and the next a few miles away,gets almost nothing.
2007-01-16 03:31:56 · answer #5 · answered by rebel_gurl002 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh sure ! I stay in Ohio we are getting hit by a doozy of a snow hurricane at present, I save questioning i opt for to bypass some position the position it truly is fantastic and warmth sit down below a palm tree and watch the waves are available in
2016-11-24 21:11:16 · answer #6 · answered by meeks 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In central to south Texas, they don't usually get ice conditions so:
1) Dept of Transportation doesn't have the right equipment to handle it.
2) Most of the people don't know how to drive in rain, much less ice.
2007-01-16 03:28:18 · answer #7 · answered by Steve H 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm in the middle of the bad weather and I didn't buy a thing. It is kind of funny to watch the people on the news getting all worried about it. But i'm one of those crazy people that loves extra cold weather.
2007-01-16 03:29:22 · answer #8 · answered by Susan P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Too many people panic and they think they will get stuck or stranded in their homes for days, so they over stock with what they feel is necessary to survive a catastrophe. Stock-up for a hurricane, and get a little ice and snow.
2007-01-16 04:30:06 · answer #9 · answered by froggi6106 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no clue, I live in TX now but originally from up north. I pay no attention to it. But they aren't use to this kind of weather here, I can understand that. But to me it is a bit funny to watch them. I was hoping for some snow this morning though.
2007-01-16 03:25:50 · answer #10 · answered by Backwoods Barbie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋