Flash Report #4 - Winter Weather Event

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | 02:26pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Snow and ice accumulations have impacted roadways primarily in West and Middle Tennessee.
  • Storm related power outages are reported in several counties.
  • Shelby County MATA Service will stop at 10 a.m. CT.
  • 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.
  • Three weather-related fatalities are confirmed by TDH.
  • Another round of winter weather and accumulating winter precipitation is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

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.

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

At this time, there are three 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.
  • 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 1100, approximately 24,000 customers without power statewide. Some restoration efforts may take 1-3 days to be fully restored.
    • 10,000 customers in Putnam County
    • 3,900 customers in Bedford County
    • 2,700 customers in Coffee County
    •  2,600 customers in Fentress County
    • 2,000 customers in Overton County
    • 1,000 customers in Moore County
    • 850 customers in Macon County
    • 500 customers in Pickett County

SHELTERS & WARMING CENTERS

  • The American Red Cross is supporting local EMAs that are affected by power outages. Below is a current list of locations:
  • DeKalb County – Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 201 S. College St., Smithville, TN
  • Dickson County – YMCA Dickson County, 225 Henslee Dr., Dickson, 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
  • 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

  • here have been three weather-related fatalities confirmed by TDH:
    • Two fatalities in Shelby County.
    • 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: Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 16. Wind chill values as low as -12. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
  • Nashville: Scattered flurries between 8am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22. Wind chill values as low as -1. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
  • Knoxville:  Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

###