Flash Report #1 Extreme Winter Weather
HIGHLIGHTS
• The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 4- Elevated to support local requests.
• The entire state is being impacted by extreme winter weather.
• Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDCI, TDEC, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, and more are monitoring the situation and standing by to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.
• Commercial fuel drivers granted temporary hours of service waiver through Jan. 27.
• Executive branch state offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
CURRENT SITUATION
A winter weather system began traveling through the state Sunday, Jan. 14, bringing dangerously cold temperatures and snow to Tennessee.
On Jan. 13, TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan, on behalf of Governor Bill Lee, declared a State of Emergency to provide commercial vehicles transporting fuel relief from hours of service until 3:59 p.m. Jan. 27, due to the expected increase in demand for fuels and energy during the winter weather and extreme cold.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 4 – Elevated with Emergency Service Coordinators from many state agencies supporting the ongoing situation. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) staff are assisting local officials with any needs or resource requests.
The extremely cold temperatures across the region have increased the demand on the power system. Businesses and the public have been asked to reduce electric power use as much as possible without sacrificing safety.
Temperatures are not expected to reach above freezing until at least Thursday.
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 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 15, there are 1,700 reports of power outages statewide.
WARMING CENTERS
• Warming centers have been opened across the state. A list known centers can be found on the TEMA website.
TDOT
• Crews continue 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.
THP
•THP continues to provide assistance with traffic control and other law enforcement responsibilities.
TDH
• The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed one weather-related fatality in Shelby County.
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.
• Turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or lower to reduce energy consumption.
• Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.
FORECAST FOR TONIGHT INTO TOMORROW MORNING
• Memphis: Cloudy, with highs in the upper teens and single digit wind chill values. Northerly winds near 10mph. Overnight low temperatures in the single digits and negative wind chill values.
• Nashville: Cloudy with snow showers. Highs in the upper teens and single digit wind chill values. Northerly winds around 5mph. Overnight low temperatures in the single digits and negative wind chill values.
• Knoxville: Cloudy with snow showers. Highs in the upper 20s and wind chill values in the teens. Northerly winds around 5mph. Overnight low temperatures in the teens with wind chills in the single digits.
• Chattanooga: Cloudy with snow/rain showers. Highs in the lower 30s and wind chill values in the 20s. Northerly winds around 5mph. Overnight low temperatures in the upper 20s and single digit to teen wind chill values.