Tennessee is preparing for overnight snowfall starting at around 8 p.m. Most of Middle Tennessee can expect 2 to 4 inches of accumulation by morning. Areas close to the Kentucky state line could see even more.
State and local departments of transportation began treating roads early Monday. Tennessee Emergency Management Director Patrick Sheehan said during a press briefing that he’s happy there hasn’t been any rain to wash that brine away. Even so, driving could become a challenge. Sheehan reminded drivers to take it slow and leave extra distance between their vehicle and others on the road. He also suggested having sand or kitty litter on hand for traction and tools like jumper cables, just in case. That’s if you get out on the roads at all.
“Travel could become difficult in the next couple of days. It will stay below freezing here in most of Tennessee for much of the rest of the week,” Sheehan said. “And so we ask folks to just give yourself time to travel if you have to go somewhere. And if you don’t have to be out and about, it’s a great time to snuggle in at home with your family and loved ones.”
For those who need a place to stay warm, TEMA has a list of available warming shelters. Sheehan says his agency is updating information on that map as they get word from local agencies.
Other government agencies are preparing their responses as well.
Nashville’s transportation department (NDOT) says it will deploy plows, but warns people to stay home if they can, and drive slowly, especially on roads that haven’t been cleared.
Metro Social Services is working ahead on its home visits delivering food and checking on elderly and disabled clients so social workers don’t need to go out in the storm.
WeGo will run buses Wednesday on a Saturday schedule, with some extra routes. Train riders can rest easy: the WeGo Star will run tomorrow, as will the Star’s shuttle services.
So far, Metro Nashville, Rutherford, Sumner, and Wilson County school districts have announced that public schools will be closed on Wednesday. Austin Peay State University says it’s moving all activities online.
Metro Nashville and Williamson County are both telling their office workers to work remotely on Wednesday. Metro Nashville courts are also closed.
