Roanoke Valley residents, and especially children, will long remember the “Great Christmas Snow of 2009” that broke an almost 14 year lull in “real snowfalls” for the region. The snow began to fall consistently and hard beginning on Friday afternoon around 2 p.m. and by evening had fulfilled the National Weather Service’s predication of providing near white-out conditions. By Saturday morning there was well over a foot of snow on the ground and at 3 p.m. there was almost 18” in Roanoke with some surrounding localities receiving as much as 22” of the heavenly white stuff. Normal life came to a standstill as busy holiday schedules had to be put on hold and people slowed down to spend “real time” with family and friends – something most would agree we could all use more of . . . But the hard winter weather also brought significant challenges for many – including drivers who became stuck, those who packed into area homeless shelters and shop owners and merchants in the midst of trying to salvage whatever they can from a very difficult year. But life began to swing back to normal on Monday as city crews made headway clearing the streets and Roanokers continued to help one another through whatever challenges lay ahead – weather related or otherwise.
A very Merry Christmas to you from all of us at the Roanoke Star-Sentinel!
