MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — After a weekend of heavy rain and flooding, crews are now starting to prepare for cold temperatures and snow. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of Middle Tennessee.
In one of the communities hit hardest by recent flooding, Montgomery County has started bracing for another round of winter weather alongside the rest of Middle Tennessee.
“We’ll have crews back out tomorrow trying to finish up the assessment, trying to beat the snow coming in,” director of the Montgomery County emergency management agency, Ed Baggett, said.
On Monday, crews with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) were out touring the weather, as the weather impacted homes and damaged roads.
“[There’s] still a little high water,” Baggett said. “We got some homes we can’t get to. We can’t access them because the water is still so deep — some of it 4,5,6 foot deep. You really can’t get inside the residence to see what kind of damage we’ve got to the structure.”
Those same conditions could worsen as cold temperatures and snow are predicted to move in. Monday morning, crews with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) were already on the roads putting down brine.
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued with winds expected to decrease visibility.
“We ask everybody to be extremely cautious and if you don’t have to get out, please stay at home,” Baggett said. “Stay safe.”
Emergency crews are urging people to prepare their homes ahead of the winter weather by:
- Insulate Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation to prevent freezing. Let faucets drip during extremely cold temperatures to keep water flowing.
- Roof and Gutters: Clean gutters and inspect the roof for any loose or missing shingles. Snow buildup can cause leaks or structural damage.
- Windows and Doors: Check for drafts. Install weather stripping and consider thermal curtains or window film to keep warmth in.
- Heating System: Have your heating system inspected and serviced to ensure it’s working efficiently.
Don’t forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app.