‘Twas the week before Christmas

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

Not a sunbeam was shining, not even a bit.

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.