TEMA FLASH REPORT #1 Tennessee Winter Weather

Thursday, January 06, 2022 | 05:41pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Winter weather brings significant snow accumulations to areas of Tennessee along and north of the I-40 corridor.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center is activated in Nashville with personnel supporting response efforts and resource requests.
  • The winter weather’s most significant impact is to interstates and highways, and travel will remain hazardous through tonight and tomorrow.
  • Temperatures overnight and during day Friday will remain below freezing statewide and may result in continued travel concerns and increase number of power outages.

CURRENT SITUATION

A winter weather system dropped significant snowfall in Tennessee today with areas along and north of I-40 receiving from 4” to 7” of accumulation and areas south of I-40 receiving a wintry mix of precipitation with little or no accumulation.

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 response.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) staff will assist local officials with any life-safety needs and resource requests. TEMA also opened and staffed its Regional Coordination Centers in Jackson, Nashville, and Knoxville to monitor the winter weather situation closely at a local level and to respond to any need requests from counties.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for some areas along and north of I-40, stretching from Dyer County through Middle Tennessee, the Cumberland Plateau, and up to Claiborne County. 

Except for Tennessee’s southeast corner, temperatures Friday are forecast to remain below freezing statewide.

WINTER WEATHER IMPACTS & RESPONSE ACTIONS

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Dept. of Transportation are working to assist motorists, keep roads clear, and clear wrecks from interstates and highways.

THP is reporting currently significant wrecks and blockages on I-40 and I-65 in Davidson County. Earlier today, THP worked a significant tractor-trailer accident on I-65, as well as weather-related accidents in Madison and Smith counties.  THP reports traffic across Tennessee is moving steadily, and will be hazardous overnight as roads re-freeze.

The Tennessee Dept. of Health closed most of its county health departments across the state today due to the winter weather.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee also ordered state offices closed today and Friday.

Power outages in the state are at 8500, with 8,100 in Sevier County as the result of Jan. 1, 2022 winter weather.

KEY MESSAGES

  • Plan for hazardous travel conditions in Tennessee through Friday as temperatures remain below freezing, and avoid unnecessary trips if possible.
  • 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 20 tonight. Partly sunny and cold Friday with a high of 30.
  • Nashville: A low of 7 tonight with very cold conditions Friday and a high of 26.
  • Knoxville: Snowy with a low of 15 tonight. Partly sunny and cold Friday and a high of 27.
  • Chattanooga:  Evening snow with a low of 18. Partly sunny Friday with a high of 37.

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