A Massive Blizzard Blanketed Washington In Snow In 2008 And It Will Never Be Forgotten
By Jessica Wick|Published February 08, 2017
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
Washington has certainly seen its share of snowfall over the years, especially on the east side. And while this winter is starting to feel pretty brutal (even the Seattle area has seen substantial snow), we have yet to beat any records. That happened during the 2008-2009 winter season, when Spokane had its snowiest winter in recorded history. And while it wasn’t the most disastrous blizzard to ever hit the Pacific Northwest, it was definitely memorable for Washingtonians everywhere.
The first big snowfall came in mid-December, catching the locals off guard and halting local services.
Spokane is no stranger to tough winters - the 2007-2008 season was also pretty brutal. But in one evening, a record amount of snow dropped onto the Inland Northwest.
At nearly two feet, the snow was so deep that it forced Spokane crews to focus only on major arterial routes in an effort to keep the city from shutting down completely.
Workers everywhere were snowed in, stores and government offices closed, and residential streets remained unplowed. Spokane eventually declared a "Condition Red," putting snow removal crews on a 24 hour a day schedule and hiring private contractors for assistance.
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As the holidays neared, flights at the Spokane International Airport were delayed and canceled and travelers were stranded. Some people couldn't leave their homes to travel at all.
