TEMA Remains At Level 4 Between Storm Systems

TEMA remains at Level 4 – Elevated as they continue to receive information and updates from Local Emergency Managers and State Agency Personnel on the impacts from the first significant winter storm of the season, and as we being monitoring forecasts for the second winter weather system expected Thursday through the weekend.

This level may be declared when there is a potential or likelihood of an emergency developing or worsening. The decision to augment the Operations watch-point staff establishes this level of activation. TEMA Operations and Communications Branch performs more frequent monitoring. This level also may represent a period of decreased staffing at the end of an emergency. This status also describes an administratively-continued emergency period remaining from the Governor’s declaration of emergency or proclamation (no longer than 60 days without extension) when waivers of law are still required for response or recovery.–TEMA

1st Winter System Update
Freezing rain, sleet and snow caused mainly transportation problems in Tennessee during the first round of winter weather on Wednesday. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Department of Transportation are working to help motorists and clear roads with the impact of hazardous driving conditions on many Interstates and secondary highways in the State.
A number of school systems, county governments and health departments across Tennessee closed due to the snowfall, ice and cold temperatures. There are no reports of widespread power outages and significant infrastructure impacts in the State.
Motorists should still use caution if they must travel and allow extra time to reach destinations. The combination of snow and ice accumulations, and cold temperatures have made roadways slick. Any untreated roads will remain treacherous overnight as temperatures drop below freezing. A wintry mix of snow and ice is expected to continue across many parts of Tennessee.
2nd Winter System Forecast
TEMA continues to stay in close contact with National Weather Service offices in Memphis, Nashville, and Morristown, Tenn., and in Huntsville, Ala. and Jackson, Ky. as a significant winter storm is expected in the state on Thursday.
Middle Tennessee
The winter storm will impact Middle Tennessee Friday into Saturday morning. Snowfall amounts range from 1” to 5” in the region. A Winter Storm Watch is currently in effect until 12 p.m., CST, on Jan. 23. The heaviest snowfall is expected in northern Middle Tennessee, with up to 3” along the Kentucky border. Tennessee counties along the Alabama border may see 1” of snow. The Nashville area could see around 2” of snowfall.
TEMA’s mission is to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery from man-made, natural and technological hazards in a professional and efficient manner in concert with our stakeholders.