FLASH REPORT #1: Winter Weather
HIGHLIGHTS
• The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains activated at a Level 3 - State of Emergency to respond to the winter weather and to continue Tropical Storm Helene recovery.
• The entire state is being impacted by winter weather.
• On Jan. 9, at the direction of Gov. Bill Lee, TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan issued a State of Emergency to provide regulatory relief due to winter weather in Tennessee. The State of Emergency exempts federal rules and regulations limiting the hours of service for the operator of a commercial motor vehicle providing fuels or an operator of a commercial motor vehicle transporting feed for the livestock or poultry industries, or transportation of animals in those industries. The hours-of-service exemption will be in effect until 11:59 a.m. on Jan. 23, 2025, or during the emergency period, whichever is less.
• TDOT crews are fully activated statewide and focusing on priority 1 routes and will be shifted to priority 2 routes as the storm allows, per their normal winter weather procedures. • Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, and more are monitoring the situation and standing by to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.
CURRENT SITUATION
A winter weather system began traveling through the state in the early morning hours on Friday, Jan. 10, bringing cold temperatures and snow to Tennessee. The National Weather Service placed all 95 counties under a Winter Weather Warning. Follow your local National Weather Service office for the most up to date forecasts.
At the direction of Gov. Bill Lee, TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan issued a State of Emergency to provide regulatory relief due to winter weather in Tennessee. TEMA encourages all Tennesseans to take preparedness steps ahead of a significant winter storm, with impacts expected Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon.
This State of Emergency exempts federal rules and regulations limiting the hours of service for the operator of a commercial motor vehicle providing fuels or an operator of a commercial motor vehicle transporting feed for the livestock or poultry industries, or transportation of animals in those industries. The hours-of-service exemption will be in effect until 11:59 a.m. on Jan. 23, 2025, or during the emergency period, whichever is less.
TEMA continues to work with local, regional, and state partners to support readiness actions and any requests for resources. The state remains at a Level 3, State of Emergency, to respond to the current winter weather and to continue Tropical Storm Helene recovery.
POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES
• The current extreme cold is increasing the power demand across Tennessee. Conserve energy by staying indoors, lowering your thermostat, and reducing non-essential electricity use if health allows to prevent temporary power interruptions. More energy saving tips can be found on the TVA website.
• As of 4 p.m. on Jan. 10, there are 800 reports of power outages statewide.
Impacted Drinking Water Facilities
Henderson County: Lexington Utilities has a Boil Water Advisory
WARMING CENTERS
Counties have opened warming centers across the state. A list of known centers can be found on the TEMA website.
TDOT
• Crews are continuing to support communities with winter weather impacts.
• It is suggested to avoid driving if possible. If not, you can check road conditions on the TDOT Smartway website.
• Please give TDOT and highway department vehicles space to operate.
THP
• THP continues to provide assistance with traffic control and other law enforcement responsibilities.
PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES
• Monitor local news for updates on weather forecasts.
• Limit time outdoors when possible. Extreme cold temperatures are dangerous and can result in hypothermia or frostbite.
• Report price gouging to the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs. To learn more, visit their website.
• Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.