Flash Report #2 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, TDEC, TDCI, 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.
• TVA issued a STEP 20 alert to local power companies to request the public voluntarily conserve energy.
• All executive branch state offices will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 17.
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. On Jan. 16, TVA issued a STEP 20 alert to local power companies requesting the public to take voluntary conservation measures. Conserve energy by staying indoors, turning lights off, lowering your thermostat, refraining from using appliances, and reducing non-essential electricity use. More energy saving tips can be found on the TVA website.
• As of 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 16, there are 2,100 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 six weather-related fatalities. Two in Shelby County, one in Hickman County, one in Madison County, and two in Washington 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: Clear skies with high temperatures in the upper teens. Northwesterly wind between 5-10mph. Overnight low temperatures in the single digits with wind chills below 0F.
• Nashville: Clearing skies with high temperatures in the lower 20s. Northwesterly wind between 5-10mph. Overnight low temperatures in the single digits with wind chills below 0F.
• Knoxville: Cloudy skies with high temperatures in the lower 20s. Northerly wind around 5mph. Clouds will continue to clear out overnight with low temperatures in the single digits. Wind chills expected to be near or below 0F.
• Chattanooga: Clearing skies with high temperatures in the lower 20s. Northerly wind between 5-10mph. Overnight low temperatures in the single digits with wind chills near 0F.