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Dec. 18, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

'Twas the week before Christmas

By BRIAN HAYNES and FRANCIS McCABE
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Slideshow
Video
Nathan Tannenbaum on snow, forecast

Printable PDF of poem

RELATED STORY
Record snowfall halts flights at McCarran

THE ODDS

•  "The odds for snow to accumulate on the Strip would be 1,000 to 1," Las Vegas Hilton sports book director Jay Kornegay said.
• ‘‘The odds of being able to build a snowman on the Strip, I’d say, would be 50,000 to 1,’’ he added.

ROAD AND WEATHER INFORMATION

Nevada Department of Transportation
Phone: 877-687-6237 or 511
www.nevadadot.com

Regional Transportation Commission
For valley traffic conditions
www.rtcsouthern nevada.com
For public transit: 228-7433

California Department of Transportation
Phone: 1-800-427-7623
www.dot.ca.gov

Arizona Department of Transportation
Phone: 602-712-6591
www.az511.com

National Weather Service, Las Vegas office
Phone: 263-9744
www.wrh.noaa.gov/vef


People pose at the welcome sign on the Strip to take photos as snow from a rare winter storm falls Wednesday in Las Vegas.
Photo by John Gurzinski.

'Twas the week before Christmas, when all up the Strip

Not a sunbeam was shining, not even a bit.

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    • The towers were shrouded in a gray, foggy cloud

    As slushy snowflakes gently fell all about.

    The tourists were bundled, their cheeks rosy red

    While visions of jackpots danced in their heads.

    Those hoping for sunshine could do nothing but mourn

    As Las Vegas was hit with a rare winter storm.

    Jenn Story from Canada scoffed at the snow

    When she took off from Calgary, it was 20 below.

    The chill in her country was colder by far

    As for snowfall on palm trees, one word: "Bizarre."

    For the Coelho family from warm-climed Brazil

    The snow was a first and a bit of a thrill.

    Out came the smiles and the joy in their eyes

    As the children caught snowflakes that fell from the skies.

    On the Strip and beyond the snow fell all Wednesday

    Causing havoc on roadways and air traffic delays.

    McCarran grounded all flights so no planes could leave

    Only landings allowed in the wintry scene.

    Marie Freeman came with her husband, just back from Iraq

    Monday's storm delayed the flight in, Wednesday's nixed the trip back.

    With a long night ahead, the trapped pair was still grinning

    They'd come back in summer "when we can go swimming."

    U.S. Highway 95 closed at cold Railroad Pass

    And at Interstate 15 in Primm, no cars could go past.

    Atop Mount Charleston snow tires were a must

    While the road to Pahrump was closed by snow dust.

    Higher elevations saw more than 8 inches in all

    While some parts of the valley below had 4 inches fall.

    Late in the night with flakes still coming down,

    It was declared the eighth-greatest flurry to ever hit town.

    Down on the Strip tourists still braved the storm

    Finding cover in lobbies and casinos to stay warm.

    Up umbrellas! On scarves! On jackets and gloves!

    Some grumbled at the weather, some professed love.

    For Shawn Smith of Orlando, Fla., the snow was a treat

    When he came here before it was unbearable heat.

    He wished for some snow, now he had the white stuff

    Not a white Christmas, but for him close enough.

     

    Reporters Henry Brean, Antonio Planas and Benjamin Spillman contributed to this report.

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    Shawn Smith wrote on December 21, 2008 08:49 AM: Brian,
    I love it! Thanks for adding me into your story. I was skeptical when you first approached us, people on the strip are always trying to stop you every 20 feet for a time share sales pitch or hand you xxx trading cards. :-)

    Merry Christmas & Happy Hollidays!


    Linda wrote on December 19, 2008 06:49 AM: This was very cleaver!! I really enjoyed it.


    don wrote on December 18, 2008 10:28 PM: i think now vegas natives will think twice about buying a 4-wheel drive car now huh?


    roadfro wrote on December 18, 2008 01:24 PM: Nice poem!

    Growing up in Vegas, I've never seen it snow like this before (I can only recall two times in the last 25 years where snow even stuck to the ground, both within the last 5 years). It's too bad I wasn't there to witness it...but I'm up in Reno where snow like this is more common.


    TAYLER wrote on December 18, 2008 11:46 AM: ILL TAKE THE TWO GIRLS IN THE PICTURE :D


    idabessie wrote on December 18, 2008 11:30 AM: Pretty neat to see the snow in Las Vegas, which is a rarity. Great video shots, glad someone took the time to make and share. Peace out!


    Fiona wrote on December 18, 2008 11:21 AM: To Kevin:

    Uhh its Las Vegas, NV not New York. Sorry the city is not prepare for something that happens in a blue moon unlike NY (last time it was like this was 1970s!!!). If this happen to NY and they were not prepare...then you have something to say.


    phred wrote on December 18, 2008 10:26 AM: fun story but I don't trust the people around here to know how to drive around in the stuff


    Janen wrote on December 18, 2008 10:24 AM: Boo to you all nay commentors. This was an enjoyable poem. A nice change from the death and mayhem you read today.


    Steve wrote on December 18, 2008 09:36 AM: The runways were unable to be cleared...


    Read All Comments