Winter storm watch issued for parts of Northeast Tennessee
Published 12:06 pm Friday, January 14, 2022
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Photo Contributed A strong storm system will move through the Southern Appalachians this weekend bringing accumulating snow to portions of the area. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the East Tennessee mountains, southwest Virginia, southwest North Carolina, portions of northeast Tennessee, and the Cumberland Plateau.
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BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR STAFF
A winter storm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service in Morristown that is expected to impact Carter County through the weekend.
The forecast calls for a potential of 8 to 12 inches in the mountains with higher totals a possibility.
“We are not going to pre-treat the roads ahead of the storm,” said Carter County Highway Superintendent Roger Colbaugh. “We will be out early Sunday morning to clear roads and are hoping that the snow will not freeze underneath where it can be easily removed.”
Residents are reminded of the following safety tips to stay safe in the event of a snowstorm:
BEFORE A WINTER STORM:
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Have a disaster plan.
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Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing, and blankets.
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Be aware of changing weather.
DURING A WINTER STORM:
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Stay indoors and dress warmly.
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Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
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Drink water. Also, drink warm broth and juices.
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If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, mittens and a hat.
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Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
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Keep dry. Change wet clothing to prevent the loss of body heat.
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If you must drive, carry a cell phone.
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Keep the gas tank full.
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Let someone know where you’re going, just in case your car gets stuck.
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If you’re car gets stuck, stay with it and wait for help unless help is visible within 100 yards. Use maps and car mats to stay warm.
AFTER A WINTER STORM:
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Avoid driving until conditions have improved.
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Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling snow are the leading cause of deaths during the winter.
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Check on neighbors to make sure their OK.
Also, there are fire safety tips that need to be remembered according to the National Fire Protection Association which includes the following:
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Test all smoke alarms. Do this at least once a month. This way you will know they are working. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Test the alarms.
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Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.
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Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you.
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Be ready in case the power goes out. Have flashlights on hand. Also, have battery-powered lighting and fresh batteries. Never use candles.
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Stay aware of winter weather. Listen to the television or radio for updates. Watch for bulletins online.
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Generators should be used outdoors. Keep them away from windows and doors. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open.
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Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.
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Be ready if the heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
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Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room. Turn them off when you go to bed.
