The Chattanooga area ushered out January last weekend with all of the predictions of the first big snow of 2010 coming painfully true, and with some predictable and some unpredictable consequences.
Much of our area had 4 to 8 inches of snow that contributed to tree and power line breaks that caused electric power interruptions. Many thousands of homes were darkened and chilled for several hours — some for a longer time — before busy service crews, braving cold, could restore electric service.
Road crews did a pretty good job keeping most main streets and highways open for necessary traffic. It perhaps was fortunate that the snow came over the weekend, when many people did not have to get out. Many church services were canceled because of potential travel dangers.
Predictably, there were some traffic accidents. Many vehicles had to be temporarily abandoned along roadsides when slippery conditions made progress either impossible or just dangerous.
Unpredictably, a pre-snow train derailment at the foot of Lookout Mountain was a big problem, but fortunately there were no reported injuries.
Although travel conditions were generally approaching normal by Monday, school authorities felt it was advisable to cancel some classes to avoid road problems and a reduction in average daily attendance, on which funding is based.
When there is severe cold and disruption of normal movement, there is always concern for the most unfortunate people among us, fearing they may lack shelter, heat and food.
Things are getting back close to normal today, with most power back on and other adjustments having been made.
Many people enjoy the excitement when snow begins to fall. But many are glad to see it stop and melt and life get back to something more nearly normal in our generally mild climate.