Snow and ice surprise in southeast Texas

The white stuff started falling Wednesday afternoon and didn't let up through the night. By Thursday morning, there was still ice in many spots around town.

The big problem for commuters Thursday morning was Highway 225. It was closed down eastbound between Bearle and Center because of the ice. On the westbound side, it was closed between Center Street and Red Bluff. Traffic was being detoured to the feeder.

Wind and cold temperatures caused problems for drivers in east Harris County on Wednesday night. It closed the Fred Hartman Bridge over the Ship Channel. The bridge was frozen and covered over with snow. Our reporter on the scene, Adela Uchida, noticed three accidents there before 10pm. The bridge was opened back up Thursday morning.

There are other problems spots around town. To see those, click here.

In northwest Harris County, snow fell, stopped and then picked up again in the evening. Native Houstonian JT Thomas braved the cold to get a look.

"Now you know we're not used to this stuff," he told us. "But I am going to enjoy it while I can. I can't build a snowman, but I can go around tell people how it snowed in Houston, Texas."

Others not from here laughed at the way some Houstonians couldn't take the cold.

"I get tickled at these Houstonians, how they are all bundled up," said Pam Boren who was enjoying the snow. "They think it's really bad, but I love it."

Pearland received a good coat of snow and it brought the residents out for a look.

Our crews caught footage of kids having little snowball fights and lots of folks heading out to go Christmas tree hunting.

"It's a perfect night to get a Christmas tree," said Gina Nall. "How often does it snow when you get to go pick one out?"

Snow is a rare occurance in our area, but did we know it was coming way back in September? ABC13 Chief Meterologist Tim Heller explains why we may have gotten a clue from Hurricane Ike. (See more of his weather report for your area).