Flash Report #3 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.
• Due to the extremely cold weather, TVA has requested that the public continue to voluntarily conserve energy if it is safe to do so.
• As of Jan. 17, a State of Emergency has been declared to provide temporary hours of service relief to commercial livestock and poultry industry drivers.
• Executive branch state offices will open tomorrow on a delay. Starting at 10 a.m. local time, offices will resume normal business hours.
CURRENT SITUATION
A winter weather system began traveling through the state Sunday, Jan. 14, bringing dangerously cold temperatures and snow to Tennessee. We are expecting another round of wintery precipitation to move through the state tomorrow, Jan. 18. While temperatures are expected to reach above freezing tomorrow, they are expected to drop below freezing again on Friday moving into the weekend.
These 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. TVA has expressed their gratitude to consumers across the region for their energy conservation efforts thus far.
On Jan. 17, TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan, on behalf of Governor Bill Lee, declared a State of Emergency to provide commercial vehicles transporting livestock, poultry, and feed for the livestock and poultry relief from hours of service until 3:59 p.m. Jan. 27. This declaration runs concurrent with the Jan. 13 State of Emergency that is providing commercial vehicles transporting fuel relief from hours of service also until 3:59 p.m. on Jan. 27.
POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES
• Extremely cold temperatures across the region continue to drive up the demand for electricity. Per TVA, the electric grid is stable and their generating facilities are performing well. TVA continues to recommend the conserving of energy if it is safe to do so. Energy saving tips can be found on the TVA website.
• This morning’s preliminary peak power demand was 34,526 megawatts at a system average temperature of 4 degrees Fahrenheit. This sets an all-time high TVA record, eclipsing the previous record that was 33,482 MW in August 2007.
• As of 6:00 p.m. CST on Jan. 17, there are 333 reports of power outages statewide.
• As of Jan. 17, approximately 600 Tennessee Ridge Water System customers have lost water. Free bottled water is available for all city of Tennessee Ridge water customers who are currently without water. Customers can pick bottled water up at Tennessee Ridge City Hall, located at 2300 S. Main St., Tennessee Ridge, TN 37178 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. through Friday. If the supply at city hall runs out, customers will be given a voucher for water that can be redeemed at the Save-A-Lot store, located at 2020 S. Main St., Tennessee Ridge, TN 37178. Please note that distribution of water is subject to weather conditions. Additional availability will be announced as needed.
• Pulaski Water System in Giles County issued an indefinite boil water advisory for Mill Street, Brindley Estates, and Jackson Drive due to a line break that drained Jackson Drive storage tank effecting approximately 300 customers until adequate testing can be performed.
• Lauderdale County Water System has requested customers to decrease usage due to ongoing operational issues.
WARMING CENTERS
• Warming centers have been opened across the state. A list of known centers can be found on the TEMA website.
TDOT
• Crews continue to support communities with winter weather impacts.
• Secondary roads may still be impacted. Drive cautiously. Current road conditions can be checked 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 14 weather-related fatalities. Five in Shelby County, one in Hickman County, one in Madison County, two in Washington County, one in Carroll County, one in Knox County, one in Van Buren County, one in Lauderdale County, and one in Henry 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.
• Review TVA energy conservation tips linked on the TVA website.
• Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.
FORECAST FOR TONIGHT INTO TOMORROW (JANUARY 18)
• Memphis: Clouds will increase with overnight low temperatures in the lower 20s. Southerly winds between 5-10mph. Wintry precipitation is likely starting in the morning through the afternoon. Daytime high temperatures in the lower 30s.
• Nashville: Clouds will increase with overnight low temperatures in the upper teens. Southerly winds between 5-10mph. Wintry precipitation is likely starting mid-day through the afternoon. Daytime high temperatures in the mid-30s.
• Knoxville: Clear skies with overnight low temperatures in the single digits. Southwesterly winds shifting easterly overnight. Wintry precipitation is likely starting in the evening through the overnight hours. Daytime high temperatures in the upper 30s.
• Chattanooga: Clear skies with overnight low temperatures in the upper teens. Southerly winds between 5-10mph. Wintry precipitation is likely starting in the afternoon through the overnight hours. Daytime high temperatures in the upper 30s.