TEMA FLASH REPORT #2 February Ice Storm

Friday, February 04, 2022 | 03:44pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Tennessee Dept. of Health has confirmed one weather-related fatality in Haywood County.
  • West Tennessee works on power restoration following Thursday’s ice storm.
  • Hazardous driving conditions likely to persist in West and Middle Tennessee as near or below freezing temperatures keep ice and sleet on roads.
  • Power outages just above 130,000 statewide, mostly in Shelby County.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center is activated and staffed to monitor conditions and assist with the resource needs of local jurisdictions.

CURRENT SITUATION

The winter weather system is moving out of Tennessee today after bringing heavy rainfall followed by freezing rain, leading to ice accumulations, in West and Middle Tennessee.

Counties in West Tennessee, most significantly Shelby County, are dealing with significant power outages and hazardous travel conditions.

Though Middle Tennessee has less ice accumulation than West, the freezing precipitation was enough to cause hazardous driving conditions for motorists, and flash flooding also impacted some roads in the region.

Middle Tennessee and Cumberland Plateau counties, mostly north of the I-40 corridor, remain under a Winter Weather Advisory. All weather advisories for West and East Tennessee have expired.

West and Middle Tennessee will see gradually clearing or cloudy skies today with temperatures just above or just below freezing. East Tennessee will see rain give way to cloudy skies and temperatures in the upper 30s.

CURRENT IMPACTS

The Tennessee Dept. of Health confirms one weather-related fatality in Haywood County. No other details available.

As of 9 a.m., today, there are 130,600 power outages statewide, with 121,600 outages in Shelby County; 3,700 in Fayette; 800 in Henry; 600 in Crockett; 500 in Haywood; and, 250 in Gibson.

Interstates and State Highways are in good shape with TDOT and THP working to clear wrecks, help motorists, and keep roads clear of ice and sleet. Significant morning wrecks on I-65 and Vietnam Veterans Parkway in Davidson County are being cleared, or are resolved, with no reports of complete closures. Of note is the closure of State Route 84 in White County due to flooding from the Calf Killer River.

Some County Health Departments remain closed today or are operating on delayed openings. The Tennessee Dept. of Health is assisting Methodist North and Baptist hospitals in Shelby County with power restoration. TDH is also working with dialysis patients of Fresenius Medical Systems in Shelby County to find alternate treatment sites due to power loss.

The American Red Cross sheltered eight people overnight at shelters in Fayette and Weakley counties.

RESPONSE ACTIONS

The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated to a Level 3 – State of Emergency with Emergency Service Coordinators from many State of Tennessee departments whose personnel are supporting local jurisdictions directly with the winter weather impact response.

TEMA’s West and Middle Region Coordination Centers are also activated and polling counties for situational updates on conditions.  TEMA’s East Region Coordination Center is on standby should any county requests need to be addresses.

KEY MESSAGES

  • Avoid unnecessary trips, if possible, Friday as temperatures remain near or below freezing in many areas of Tennessee, with the potential for slick roads and bridges.
  • If you do travel, remember *THP (*847) for highway emergencies to be connected to the nearest Tennessee Highway Patrol district office to your location.
  • Monitor local news for updates on weather forecasts, and for any weather watches or warnings issued for your area. Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and warnings.
  • Check on your neighbors and if you need emergency help call 9-1-1.
  • Never operate an electric generator, gas grill, or charcoal grill inside your home or garage for heat or power.  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.
  • 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: Clouds and cold today with a high of 32.
  • Nashville: Winter Weather Advisory today with louds and a high of 33.
  • Knoxville: Cloudy and a high of 39 today.
  • Chattanooga:  Cloudy today and a high of 40.

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