This was one of the strangest stories I’ve ever covered. For starters, I began working at the story at 11 p.m., when I’m normally going to bed. Lawmakers were playing poker and sleeping with emergency relief blankets in their offices. Capitol Police said 120 people slept in the building, as the statehouse turned from the center of government into a hotel. I was the only reporter in the building, so it was a fun — and easy — exclusive.

My radio stories played throughout the day on KMOX, and it was also the top story on the station’s website. The following morning, I had a live hit via Skype on KOMU-TV to talk about the strange scene, among other weather coverage in Jefferson City. And I chatted with KMOX’s Mark Reardon during evening drive-time about my experience the night before.

The online story:

JEFFERSON CITY — As Missourians wake up Wednesday morning to a foot or more of snow, their elected representatives will rise from more temporary lodging — their state Capitol offices.

Dozens of lawmakers and staff played poker and chatted in offices late Tuesday night. While legislative leaders started the week vowing to stay in session all week, they gave up after passing two measures, leaving some members stranded.

Capitol Police said about 120 people slept in the Capitol overnight, many with cars that couldn’t even make it to rented apartments or hotels elsewhere in Jefferson City.

“There’s no choice right now. You can’t move,” said Sen. Tim Green, D-St. Louis County. “I have a Chrysler and my car can’t go anywhere, so I’m sleeping in my office tonight.”

Green and others planned to sleep on their office couches or on the floor with thin, gray blankets that emergency crews had dropped off earlier in the night.

“Typically we can make it out and back to our apartments or whatever, but this is definitely a first for me,” said Rep. Ryan Silvey, R-Jackson County. “I certainly have not seen this many people stuck in the building.”

Silvey was one of several lawmakers playing poker in the House lounge. He joined other Republicans and Democrats for a game that lasted until after 11 p.m. Others clustered in small groups. One person played the piano, while doors remained open and lights on well into the night.

Lawmakers said they were looking forward to Wednesday, when plows could clear the roads and they could drive back to their homes.

“In my 22 years here I’ve never been forced to spend a night in the Capitol, unless there was a filibuster going on during the legislative process,” said Green, one of the longest-serving members in either chamber. “This is the first time in my 22-year career that I cannot leave the building.”

NOTE: The day of the blizzard, state workers were told they’d be penalized if they stayed home, even as Missouri’s governor urged people to stay off the roads. Lawmakers met, and I did a story for KOMU about the strange day.