NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — It only takes half an inch of ice accumulation to add 500 pounds of extra weight to powerlines. Usually, these ice accumulations are caused by freezing rain. However, due to the mix of precipitation possible close to the TN/AL state line Friday, ice accumulation is possible.
Ice can also accumulate on branches, increasing their weight by thirty times. Sleet can be a concern for roadways, but it will not accumulate on trees or powerlines.
So, when it comes to power outages: paying attention to ice accumulation is vital. Power outages are most likely in far southern Tennessee.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is prepared for an increased demand on the grid. The TVA has also spent around $430 million to upgrade its grid since having to do rolling blackouts to alleviate the strain placed on the grid in January 2023.
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.
