Flash Report #9 - Winter Weather Event

(Updated Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 | 05:29 p.m.)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Snow and ice accumulations have impacted roadways primarily in West and Middle Tennessee.
• Storm related power outages are reported in several counties.
• The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated and staffed to monitor weather, road conditions, and address any life safety needs.
• State of Emergency remains declared and the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan is activated to support the Severe Winter Weather efforts.
• Six weather-related fatalities are confirmed by the Tennessee Department of Health.
• Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) has issued a system-wide boil water notice due to pressure losses.

CURRENT SITUATION

A major winter storm traveled across the state resulting in freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Snow and ice accumulations were greatest in West and Middle Tennessee. Following this storm system, a second winter storm impacted the state brining additional snow and ice.

These storm systems resulted in hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and tree damage due to significant ice accumulations.

TEMA continues to support local emergency management agencies and is monitoring weather forecasts and road conditions.

At this time, there are six weather-related fatalities confirmed by the Tennessee Department of Health.

TDOT

• Continuing to monitor road conditions across the state.
• Continuing to treat roadways with salt and plowing operations.
• TDOT has increased HELP truck patrol in Middle and West Tennessee and has activated a 24-hour maintenance staff.

THP

• THP continues supporting motorists impacted by this winter weather system. Motorists may dial *847 (*THP) for highway assistance.

POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES

• As of 1700, approximately 12,000 customers without power statewide.
• It will be multiple days for Upper Cumberland Electrical Membership Corp to be fully restored.

    o 200 customers in Fentress County

    o 2,800 customers in Bedford County (Duck River EMC)

    o 650 customers in Coffee County (Duck River EMC)

    o 150 customers in Moore County (Duck River EMC)

    o 5,000 customers in Putnam County (Upper Cumberland EMC)

    o 1,800 customers in Overton County (Upper Cumberland EMC)

    o 1,500 customers in Jackson County (Upper Cumberland EMC)

• MLGW has issued a system-wide boil water notice due to pressure losses.

    o Two hospitals and the airport have notified MLGW of low pressures.

    o The northern, more rural part of the service area is demonstrating the lowest pressures.

    o MLGW is working on repairs to 3 water main breaks at this time and checking on another potential water main break.

SHELTERS & WARMING CENTERS

• Bedford County – Fair Haven Baptist Church, 2726 US-231, Shelbyville, TN
• Coffee County – Ada Wright Building, 328 N. Woodland St., Manchester, TN
• DeKalb County – Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 201 S. College St., Smithville, TN
• Dickson County – YMCA Dickson County, 225 Henslee Dr., Dickson, TN
• Giles County – Elkton Fire Department, 164 main St., Prospect, TN
• Giles County – Giles County Fire & Rescue Squad, 188 Oak Grove Rd., Goodspring, TN
• Henry County – Inman Middle School, 400 Harrison Street, Paris, TN
• Jackson County – West End Fire Hall, 110 Salt Lick Creek Rd., Pleasant Shade, TN
• Jackson County – Center Grove Community Center, 1137 Knobs Rd., Gainesboro, TN
• Moore County – Moore County High School, 1502 Lynchburg Hwy., Lynchburg, TN
• Overton County – First Christian Church, 320 Oakley St., Livingston, TN
• Putnam County – First Baptist Church, 18 S. Walnut Ave., Cookeville, TN
• Putnam County – Washington Avenue Baptist Church, 1621 N. Washington Ave., Cookeville, TN
• Shelby County – Hollywood Community Center, 1560 N. Hollywood Street Memphis, TN
• Shelby County – Lewis Senior Center, 1188 North Pkwy., Memphis, TN
• Shelby County - Ruth Tate Senior Center, 1640 Marjorie Street, Memphis, TN
• Weakley County – University of Tennessee at Martin Student Life Center, 199 Moody St., Martin, TN

TDH

• There have been six weather-related fatalities confirmed by TDH:

    o Two fatalities in Shelby County.

    o One fatality in Maury County.

    o One fatality in Williamson County.

    o One fatality in Dickson County.

    o One fatality in Overton County.

• Several Vaccine Points of Dispensing locations were closed today due to winter weather.

    o Anyone with a vaccination appointment for today has been contacted regarding the closures.

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

• Refrain from driving to keep available streets and roads clear for emergency personnel.
• Continue to monitor radio and television broadcasts for further weather information and instructions.
• Charge electronic devices in case of loss of power.
• If using a space heater, ensure at least 3 feet of distance surrounding the heater. Never plug space heaters into extension cords.
• Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. Do not plug generators into your home’s electrical wiring.

FORECAST

• Memphis: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. Wind chill values as low as 2. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Nashville: A chance of flurries before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. North northwest wind around 10 mph.
• Knoxville: Areas of rain, snow showers, and sleet before 11pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 11pm and 1am, then a slight chance of snow showers after 1am. Areas of fog before 1am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 29. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%.