Flash Report #4 Extreme Winter Weather
A winter weather system began traveling through the state on Sunday, Jan. 14, bringing dangerously cold temperatures and snow to Tennessee. This event was followed by another system on Thursday, Jan. 18 that brought wintry precipitation through a large portion of the state. Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing throughout the weekend. Because of the extremely cold temperatures, the demand on power and water systems has significantly increased. Per TVA, while there has been an increase in demand of the power system, it has remained stable. However, there are several water systems throughout the state that are reporting operational issues that may result in boil water advisories, loss of water, or loss of water pressure. On Jan. 17, TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan, on behalf of Governor Bill Lee, declared a State of Emergency to provide commercial vehicles transporting livestock, poultry, and feed for the livestock and poultry relief from hours of service until 3:59 p.m. Jan. 27. This declaration runs concurrent with the Jan. 13 State of Emergency that is providing commercial vehicles transporting fuel relief from hours of service also until 3:59 p.m. on Jan. 27.