While the recent winter storm has reportedly been intense in many areas, the conditions on the ground in some others, such as Friendswood, do not match this reporting.

In Friendswood, there is little to no freezing on the roads. The sidewalks are clear and easily walkable. There is some ice visible, but also many unfrozen puddles.

Many local businesses chose to stay closed over Sunday and Monday due to the forecasted weather, but Cooper’s Landing in downtown Friendswood is one that remained open.

Yahby, a bartender at Cooper’s Landing, says the decision to stay open was based on the conditions they saw on the ground. “Yesterday we were closed” he says. But because of improving weather conditions, they decided to open on Monday. “Everything seems pretty good… It’s not as bad as I thought it was gonna be.”

Despite being open, the clientele was reduced from what it would normally be. “It is not busy at all. It’s pretty dead, so far” Yahby said.

The icy weather is expected to last through the week and into early next week.