State And County Prepare For Winter Storm

Governor Bill Lee has issued a state of emergency for all 95 counties, in advance of the winter storm. The state of emeregency allows the state to get supplies to areas in need faster than normal. From the Cumberland Plateau westward to the Mississippi River, is now under a Winter Storm Warning as they are expecting a lot of snow and freezing rain. The Nashville area is expecting 3-4 inches of snow while areas in northwest Tennessee could see close to a foot. Lexington, Kentucky could see nearly 18″ of snow from this storm. The southwest part of the state is under an Ice Storm Warning.

In this area, we are expecting snow to begin Saturday afternoon with a light accumulation. According to the latest weather forecast, that snow will change to a mix of rain and snow during the nighttime hours on Saturday before changing to all rain before daybreak Sunday morning. Temperatures are expeted to rise into the upper 40’s during the day on Sunday, making this a rain event. However, cold air will move back in Sunday evening changing precipitation back to a mix of rain and snow

While the impacts are going to be less for us on the eastern part of the state, TDOT and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are both warning about travel this weekend. Roads have the potential to be hazardous Saturday and Sunday. Sunday night though, travel may be very difficult as whatever falls on the roads is going to freeze as the very cold temperatures move in. TDOT says if you do not have to be on the roads this weekend, stay at home. TDOT trucks have been out pre-treating roadways in advance of the storm. When the storm’s impacts arrive, TDOT says that they will be concentrating on main roads like interstates and heavily traveled state highways.

During the winter storm If you have an accident WITHOUT any injuries, law enforcement is not going to respond nor will vehicles be towed. If you have an accident and no one is injured, you are advised to call 911 to report the incident, exchange contact and insurance information, and photograph any damage. Accidents WITH injuries will be responded to, but this may take some time depending on road conditions. Cocke County officials are watching the developing system closely and Emergency Management Director Joe Esway says the county is prepared for the impacts of the storm. That includes warming stations being set up. The locations for those warming stations, which will be really be in need Sunday night and Monday night. Those locations will be announced sometime on Friday.