Those dreaming of a White Christmas for the past eight years are finally getting their wish in 2022 — even if it came with an intense winter storm.

Meteorologist Allan Curtis with the National Weather Service there is nearly a 50-50 chance annually of at least one inch of snow on the ground on Christmas Day, based on 30 year climate averages.

Based on National Weather Service data, the last White Christmas in Marion and Warren Counties was in 2013. The 3-4” of snow that fell in both counties will not melt as temperatures remain mainly near or below zero degrees through Christmas morning.