Evening star., 1948-12-24
3-to-5-InchSnow
Due Christmas;
More toFo||ow
May Reach 10 Inches
By Tuesday; Shoppers
Busy on Final Day

Last-minute shoppers and hol-
iday travellers were all a-rush
today, spurred by the contagious
enthusiasm of Christmas eve
and the prospect of snowfall to-
night.
AS final touches were put on be-
ribboned packages and Christmas
tree lights went on, the Weather
Bureau gave hope that new sleds
will go into action no later than
tomorrow morning.
Three to five inches of snow was
predicted for the District tonight
and tomorrow, with the likelihood
that subfreezing temperatures will
keep it on the ground for a while
The flve-day forecast called for con-
tinued cold and another snow Tues
day. Total precipitation of three
fourths to one inch was predicted
for the period, which could mean
as much as 10 inches of snow.
Snow Falling in West.
It looked like a white Christ |
mas over a wide area of the
country, with snow falling in
the Rocky Mountain area and
the North Central States. Sleet and
snow brought icy roads and four
deaths to Kansas and Missouri
Much of the East was preparing for
fresh SHOWS tonight.
AS the snowstorm swept eastward
from the Midwest, up to inches
was expected in sections. of Ken
lucky, Ohio, West Virginia and
Pennsylvania.
In Western and Central Virginia,
where to S inches appeared likely.
snow began falling before noon. The
highway department already was at
work from Lynchburg on west,
bringing out sand and snowplows in
an effort to keep the roads open.
One Of the top events here will be
che lighting by President Truman
Of the National Community Tree in
o program starting at 4:30 pm. on
the south lawn of the White House.
Mr.. Truman will press a button
Illuminating the tree from his home
IN Independence, Mo-, then will
broadcast holiday message to the
Nation.
Police Concentrated.
Much of the late shopping was
contributed by the 240,0OO Federal
employees, released from their jobs
at noon until Monday.
AL available policemen will be
concentrated in the downtown shop
ping area until after the large de-
partment stores close at 6 pm, but |
special details will remain on duty
until shortly after pm, when the
lights in virtually all the stores will
be extinguished.
Although large crowds are ex-
pected in the stores this afternoon,
businessmen said Washingtonians
have completed the bulk of their
Christmas shopping, and today's
buyers will be seeking last t-minute
gifts for some one overlooked on
the original Christmas list.
Several of the larger stores mark /
the close of the Christmas shopping
season with clearance" and bar
gain" sales.
Peak Hour Estimated.
At Union Station, the station |
master reported that nearly all
regular trains will be leaving
throughout the day in extra-length
sections. Crowds in the station are I
expected to be at their peak around
pm.
Scores of Christmas parties for
young and old will be staged
throughout the city today, and in
nearly every Government depart |
ment an informal celebration will
be held when the holiday begins.
White House Ceremonies.
The ceremonies at the White
House will begin with a concert
by the Marine Band and the
singing of carols by the Girls
Chorus of Dunbar High School. The
invocation will be pronounced by
the Rev. Ralph Orme, and Com
missioner Guy Mason. on behalf of
President Truman, will receive the
greetings of the people of the Dis
trict from Sue Ann Keys and Rich
ard Bokman, winners of the 1948
youth award of the District Recrea-
ton Society.
Musician Edward Master of the
Marine Band will play the tradi-
tional cornet solo, "Cantique de
Noel" and this will be followed by
another carol by the Dunbar choris-
ters. The benediction will be pro-
nounced by the Rev. Thomas M
Brew, and the program will close
at $50 pm. with the National
Anthem
The ceremonies will be broadcast
(See CHRISTMAS, Page A-4)