NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) provided updates about the winter storm impacting the state in a livestream Friday.
TEMA director Patrick Sheehan spoke on the agency’s YouTube channel and explained there is still a Level 3 — State of Emergency, not only because of the winter storm, but also due to continuing response to Hurricane Helene.
Sheehan added crews with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) have been dispatched and are working across the state. At the time of the press conference, TDOT was focusing on Priority 1 routes. Sheehan said the agency would move to Priority 2 routes as conditions allowed.
“Give them lots of room if you’re out and about driving today,” Sheehan said. “We’ve already had one accident, at least, with a salt truck being struck from behind by a commercial motor vehicle. Please travel safely if you have to be out and about and give lots of room to our dedicated TDOT teams.”
Additionally, Sheehan noted the forecast indicated snow will continue through much of the state and travel conditions could be impacted by thaws and subsequent refreezes. He said warming shelters are open in a number of places throughout the state. If you have any questions, Sheehan advised contacting officials in your area.
At the time of the press conference, Sheehan reported “minimal” power outages, with 2,800 reports of meters being impacted primarily in Fayette, Henderson and Shelby counties. Nevertheless, Sheehan recommended reducing energy consumption if your health and conditions allow. As of publication, there were no impacts to water service in Middle Tennessee due to weather.
“If you use a generator, use it outside and keep it dry,” Sheehan said. “You want to have it more than 20 feet from your livable space and you want to make sure that exhaust doesn’t get blown back into your home.”
Other tips Sheehan provided included dressing appropriately, including covering extremities, if you’re spending time outdoors or minimizing time spent outside. If you use alternative heating sources, Sheehan encouraged responsible use and ample space so nothing catches fire.
You can follow this link to see TEMA’s webpage dedicated to the winter event.
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