TEMA FLASH REPORT #2 Tennessee Winter Weather

Friday, January 07, 2022 | 03:25pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Following Thursday’s winter weather event, Tennessee’s interstates and state highways are in good condition today, though secondary roads are still icy and snow covered.
  • Motorists are advised to use extreme caution and judgement when travelling today in the state.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center is activated in Nashville with personnel supporting local response efforts and resource requests.
  • Temperatures statewide will fall below freezing again Friday night in many areas of the state, before a gradual warm-up Saturday and the possibility of rain Sunday.

CURRENT SITUATION

Mostly clear skies and very cold temperatures prevail across Tennessee today following a winter weather event on Thursday that dropped up to 7 inches of snow in many areas of the state.

Today, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Dept. of Transportation will continue to clear interstates and state highways to lessen travel impacts.

Motorists in Tennessee are advised to use extreme caution and to limit travel if possible. Snow and ice remain on interstates and state highways, and especially secondary roadways. THP and TDOT personnel are also working today to clear vehicles from roadsides that were abandoned or involved in wrecks Thursday. This activity will also contribute to the slower movement of traffic.

Many schools, health departments, and state offices remain closed in the state today.

Power outages are at 8,200 with 5,500 outages in Sevier County remaining from the Jan. 1, 2022, winter weather event.

The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated to a Level 3 – State of Emergency with the state’s Emergency Service Coordinators supporting local jurisdictions directly lingering winter weather issues.

KEY MESSAGES

  • Plan for hazardous travel conditions in Tennessee today as temperatures remain cold and expect hazardous travel this evening and overnight as temperatures fall and roads re-freeze.
  • Along with removing snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, clear snow and ice thoroughly from your vehicle’s hood and roof before driving. Snow and ice flying off a vehicle can create a driving hazard for yourself and others.
  • Never operate an electric generator, gas grill, or charcoal grill inside your home or garage for heat or power.  Fumes from these appliances are fatal and therefore, these applicants should be kept outside.
  • Do not use your oven or stove as a heater.
  • If you operate a space heater in your home, be sure to keep an area of 3 feet, at least, around the space heater clear to prevent fire hazards.
  • Monitor local news for updates on weather forecasts, and for any weather watches or warnings issued for your area.
  • Follow the instructions of emergency officials and be ready to take cover in any severe weather situation.
  • Do not attempt to move any downed power lines. Instead contact your local power company to report the damage or call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency situation.

 

WEATHER FORECAST

  • Memphis: Cold with a low of 24 tonight. Occasional rain Saturday with a high of 50.
  • Nashville: Clear and cold tonight with a low of 15. Warmer Saturday with a high of 46.
  • Knoxville: Clear and cold tonight with a low of 16. Sunny Saturday with a high of 42.
  • Chattanooga:  Fewer clouds and cold with a low of 37 tonight. Sunny and 50 Saturday.

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