Flash Report #5 - Winter Weather Event

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | 07:31pm

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.
  • Three weather-related fatalities are confirmed by the Tennessee Department of Health.
  • Another round of winter weather and accumulating winter precipitation is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.
  • Due to weather conditions, the Tennessee House and Senate have closed for the remainder of the week.
  • Gov. Lee has issued an Hours of Service Waiver to limit disruptions to fuel transportation.

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 Wednesday through Thursday. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for West Tennessee effective at midnight through February 18. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Middle Tennessee effective tomorrow afternoon through February 18. Select counties in East Tennessee are also under a Winter Storm Watch effective tomorrow 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 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 as well as preparing for the next 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.

West Region is currently working minor crashes and assisting stranded motorists.

POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES

  • As of 1800, approximately 20,000 customers without power statewide. Some restoration efforts may take 1-3 days to be fully restored.

o   10,000 customers in Putnam County

o   2,600 customers in Bedford County

o   140 customers in Cannon County

o   1,500 customers in Coffee County

o   1,500 customers in Fentress County

o   2,000 customers in Overton County

o   800 customers in Moore County

o   250 customers in Pickett County

SHELTERS & WARMING CENTERS

  • 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

  • There have been three weather-related fatalities confirmed by TDH:

o   Two fatalities in Shelby County.

o   One fatality in Maury County.

  • EMS services in West Tennessee are operating on inclement weather plans.
  • Cookeville EMS/Ambulance frequency is currently down. TEMA communications support has been requested. EMS is currently utilizing cell phones to contact hospitals.
  • All Vaccine Points of Dispensing in the Health West and Mid-Cumberland Regions, as well as Putnam County, were closed today.

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: A 30 percent chance of snow after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. Wind chill values as low as 3. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph after midnight

Nashville: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Northeast wind around 5 mph

Knoxville:  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

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