ginx posted an example of it happening before, and there are many more examples just like it. take a deep breath and relax. it really does happen almost every year.
leaf disaster is right. so many oakies on top of the snow, nevermind all the leaves that were still on the lawn. i hope this crap melts quickly so i can get it cleaned up before winter really sets in.
02-03 started early, but after an early Dec storm (maybe the 5th?), there was a bit of a thaw leading up to the xmas day storm. your point stands though.