On Tuesday, January 28, 2014, we were told by the NWS and local meteorologists that we had a 30% chance of a light dusting of snow. I chose to work from home and got the boys off to school. I started a meeting at 9:00 and noticed that it had started to sprinkle...but was not yet snowing. When my meeting wrapped up at 10:00, I glanced out the window and the ground/road was completely white. It was snowing and it was STICKING. I was surprised that school had not yet cancelled, but I had another meeting at 11:00. I chose to go ahead and pick up Graham. On the way out of the neighborhood my tires spun all the way up the big hill. I was immediately concerned that I may not be able to get back home. Schools announced they were dismissing at 11:00, and I arrived to pick up Graham at 10:30. When we passed the road to the elem/middle schools, I realized that the roads were already blocked with cars who could not make it to the school. Buses were unable to get to the schools.
Graham and I made it about 3/4 mile into the subdivision. At this point cars were parked on the side of the road. I attempted to go up the hill, but could not get traction. I had to reverse back down and park on the gas pipeline. Graham and I hiked back home.
For several hours neighbors shared information via Facebook regarding road conditions, bus loading etc. it became apparent that the bus would drop all kids at the entrance, one mile from our house.
I had a neighbor offer to watch Graham while I made the hike, and then luckily my next door neighbor's Tahoe was able to reach the kids and drive them home around 2:00.
The county was able to salt the roads and Jason was able to make it home after work. Chattanooga basically closed down on Wednesday and at this point we believe school will be open on Friday.
It was quite an experience and we were very blessed. Lots of people were stuck on interstates and away from their families throughout the Southeast.
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