Flash Report #3 - Winter Weather Event

Monday, February 15, 2021 | 07:35pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Wintery precipitation will persist throughout the state through Tuesday. West Tennessee has reported up to 7 inches of snow across the region while ice and sleet accumulations are the main concern in Middle Tennessee. East Tennessee has received reports of icy roadways.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated and staffed to monitor weather, road conditions, and address any life safety needs.
  • State of Emergency remains declared and the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan is activated to support the Severe Winter Weather efforts.
  • Freezing rain, sleet, and snow are expected to cause significant impacts to roadways. Many reports in Middle Tennessee of icy roadways.
  • Lincoln County has closed all county-maintained roads due to road conditions and debris. Emergency service personnel will continue to have access.
  • I-65 North at mile marker 102 in Sumner County is currently closed.
  • I-40 East at mile marker 243 in Wilson County is currently closed.

CURRENT SITUATION

A major winter storm is currently impacting the Tennessee Valley. This storm system is expected to bring freezing rain, sleet, and snow throughout the state, with the greatest impacts in West and Middle Tennessee.

Winter Storm Warnings are in affect for most West and Middle Tennessee counties. Winter Weather Advisories and Hazardous Weather Outlooks have also been issued for East Tennessee counties. The storm system will create hazardous travel conditions and will likely cause power outages and tree damage due to significant ice accumulations.

TEMA continues to support local emergency management agencies and is monitoring weather forecasts and road conditions.

At this time, there are two weather-related fatalities confirmed by the Tennessee Department of Health.

TDOT

·         Continuing to monitor road conditions across the state. At this time, there are no major road closures or accidents reported.

·         Continuing to treat roadways with salt and plowing operations. Graders have been deployed along I-40 to help with plowing, focusing specifically on exit ramps.

·         TDOT has increased HELP truck patrol in Middle and West Tennessee and has activated a 24-hour maintenance staff.

POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES

·         As of 1800, approximately 16,000 customers without power statewide.

SHELTERS & WARMING CENTERS

·         Dickson County – YMCA Dickson County, 225 Henslee Dr., Dickson, TN

·         Henry County – Inman Middle School, 400 Harrison Street, Paris, TN

·         Shelby County – Hollywood Community Center, 1560 N. Hollywood Street Memphis, TN

·         Shelby County - Ruth Tate Senior Center, 1640 Marjorie Street, Memphis, TN

TDH

·         There have been two weather-related fatalities confirmed by TDH:

o   One fatality in Shelby County.

o   One fatality in Maury County.

·         All Vaccine Points of Dispensing in the Health West and Mid-Cumberland Regions, as well as Putnam County, were closed today.

·         Anyone with a vaccination appointment for today has been contacted regarding the closures.

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

·         Refrain from driving to keep available streets and roads clear for emergency personnel.

·         Continue to monitor radio and television broadcasts for further weather information and instructions.

·         Charge electronic devices in case of loss of power.

·         If using a space heater, ensure at least 3 feet of distance surrounding the heater. Never plug space heaters into extension cords.

·         Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. Do not plug generators into your home’s electrical wiring.

FORECAST

·         Memphis: Tonight, there is 20 percent chance of snow before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 0. Wind chill values as low as -9. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

·         Nashville: Snow showers and freezing rain before 10pm, then a slight chance of snow showers between 10pm and 1am. Low around 12. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

·         Knoxville:  Rain before 3am, then a chance of rain and snow. Patchy fog before 11pm. Low around 26. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming southwest in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.