Flash Report #4 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 and commercial livestock and poultry industry drivers have been 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 for them to do so.
CURRENT SITUATION
A winter weather system began traveling through the state on Sunday, Jan. 14, bringing dangerously cold temperatures and snow to Tennessee. This event was followed by another system on Thursday, Jan. 18 that brought wintry precipitation through a large portion of the state. Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing throughout the weekend.
Because of the extremely cold temperatures, the demand on power and water systems has significantly increased. Per TVA, while there has been an increase in demand of the power system, it has remained stable. However, there are several water systems throughout the state that are reporting operational issues that may result in boil water advisories, loss of water, or loss of water pressure.
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 conserving energy if it is safe to do so. Energy saving tips can be found on the TVA website.
• As of 2:00 p.m. CST on Jan. 19, there are fewer than 300 power outage reports statewide.
• As of 7:00 p.m. CST,16 counties have reported water utilities with operational issues and 19 water systems have issued Boil Water Advisories. If you have lost water or have a loss of water pressure, check with our water system for more information and for recommended actions.
Reported Issues w/ Boil Water Advisory In Affect
County- Water System
Crockett- Friendship Distribution System
Gibson- Gibson CO MUN Water District #1
Giles- Pulaski Water Department
Giles- Minor Hill Water System
Giles- Tarpley Shop Utility District
Giles- South Giles Water System
Giles- Fairview Utility District
Hardin- Savannah Utility Department
Hardin- Limestone Water Utility, LLC as Aqua Utilities
Henderson- Lexington Water System
Henderson- Scotts Hill Water System
Henderson- Sardis Water System
Lauderdale- Lauderdale County Water System
Lawrence- Lexington /Rascaltown
McMinn- Resolute Forest Products
McNairy- Adamsville Water Department
McNairy- Michie Water Department
McNair- Selmer Water System
Shelby- Memphis Light, Gas & Water
Reported Issues w/out Boil Water Advisory In Affect
County- Water System
Bedford- Bell Buckle
Carter- First Utility District of Carter County
Giles- Admore Water System
Giles- Ardmore
Greene- Chuckey Utility District
Lawrence- NE Lawrence
Lawrence- Fall River Road
Lawrence- Summertown
Lawrence- Leoma
Lawrence- Lawrenceburg Utility System
Maury- Mount Pleasant
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.
• Many roads, especially secondary routes, continue to be impacted by the extreme cold, snow, and wintry precipitation that travelled through the state. Drive cautiously.
• Current road conditions can be checked on the TDOT SmartWay website.
THP
• THP continues to provide motorist assistance, traffic control, and support other law enforcement responsibilities.
TDH
• The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 19 weather-related fatalities. Seven 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, one in Henry County, two in Marshall County, and one in Roane County.
PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES
• Monitor local news for updated 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.
• Dialysis centers that are aware of transportation issues for their patients should contact their county emergency management agency for support.
FORECAST
• Memphis: Mostly sunny, with a high near 26. North northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
• Nashville: Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 23 by 4 pm. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
• Knoxville: Mostly sunny, with a high near 26. North northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
• Chattanooga: Partly sunny, with a high near 35. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.