Flash Report #7 - Winter Weather Event

HIGHLIGHTS

•  Snow and ice accumulations have impacted roadways primarily in West and Middle Tennessee.
•  Storm related power outages are reported in several counties.
• 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.
• Four weather-related fatalities are confirmed by the Tennessee Department of Health.
• A second round of winter weather and accumulating winter precipitation is forecast for today and Thursday. The highest snow accumulations are expected in West and Middle Tennessee with some areas across the state experiencing sleet and freezing rain.

CURRENT SITUATION

A major winter storm traveled across the state resulting in freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Snow and ice accumulations were greatest in West and Middle Tennessee.

The storm system resulted in hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and tree damage due to significant ice accumulations.

A second winter storm is expected today through Thursday. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for West and Middle Tennessee through February 18. Select counties in East Tennessee are also under a Winter Storm Warning or Winter Weather Advisory effective this evening through February 18.

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

At this time, there are four 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 as well as preparing for the second round of winter weather.

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

THP

·         THP continues supporting motorists impacted by this winter weather system.  Motorists may dial *847 (*THP) for highway assistance.

POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES

·         As of 1430, approximately 10,000 customers without power statewide.

·         It will be multiple days for Upper Cumberland Electrical Membership Corp and Duck River Electrical Membership Corp to complete the restoration process. Multiple utilities are providing mutual aid crews to assist the restoration efforts.

o   1,000 customers in Fentress County

o   1,500 customers in Bedford County (Duck River EMC)

o   700 customers in Coffee County (Duck River EMC)

o   200 customers in Moore County (Duck River EMC)

o   6,500 customers combined in Putnam, Overton, and Jackson Counties (Upper Cumberland EMC)

SHELTERS & WARMING CENTERS

·         Bedford County – Fair Haven Baptist Church, 2726 US-231, Shelbyville, TN

·         Coffee County – Coffee County Shelter, 328 N. Woodland St., Manchester, TN

·         DeKalb County – Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 201 S. College St., Smithville, TN

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

·         Fentress County – Jamestown Community Center, 629 N. Main St., Jamestown, TN

·         Giles County – Elkton Fire Department, 164 main St., Prospect, TN

·         Giles County – Giles County Fire & Rescue Squad, 188 Oak Grove Rd., Goodspring, TN

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

·         Jackson County – Center Grove Community Center, 1137 Knobs Rd., Gainesboro, TN

·         Moore County – Moore County High School, 1502 Lynchburg Hwy., Lynchburg, TN

·         Overton County – First Christian Church, 320 Oakley St., Livingston, TN

·         Putnam County – First Baptist Church, 18 S. Walnut Ave., Cookeville, TN

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

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

·         Weakley County – University of Tennessee at Martin Student Life Center, 199 Moody St., Martin, TN

TDH

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

o   Two fatalities in Shelby County.

o   One fatality in Maury County.

o   One fatality in Williamson County.

·         Several Vaccine Points of Dispensing locations are closed or delayed today due to winter weather.

o   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: Snow and freezing drizzle before 2am, then a slight chance of flurries and freezing drizzle between 2am and 3am, then a slight chance of snow after 3am. Low around 25. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

·         Nashville: New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Snow showers and freezing rain before 3am, then freezing drizzle likely, possibly mixed with snow showers. Low around 28. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

·         Knoxville:  Rain, mainly after 11pm. Patchy fog after 2am. Low around 33. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

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