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FROM STAFF REPORTS
The weather this week has played havoc with most people’s schedules, including schools and businesses. Both, Elizabethton and Carter County schools remain closed or were on a delayed schedule due to snow-covered roads and freezing temperatures.
Also, offices at the Carter County Courthouse were closed Tuesday and Wednesday, re-opening on a delayed schedule Thursday. Elizabethton City Government offices closed early Tuesday and remained closed Wednesday.
State offices were ordered closed Wednesday by Gov. Bill Lee due to continued hazardous driving conditions and dangerously cold temperatures.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) continues to strongly urge motorists to limit travel. “TDOT and local road crews are working around the clock to ensure roads are passable; please don’t crowd the plows and never pass them. We want all motorists and our crews to remain safe,” said a department spokesperson.
Due to increased demand on the power system, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has asked customers to reduce electric power use as much as possible without sacrificing safety. Temperatures Sunday morning are expected to be zero and possibly below.
An arctic front swept into the area Tuesday bringing some of the coldest temperatures the area has seen in a while. Power demand has been very high.
“Conserving energy can save you money and extend the available power supply. This helps maintain the stability of the regional grid as rising demand tightens the available power supply,” a TVA spokesman said.
The TVA has recommended using these tips to stay warm and conserve electricity.
– Lower your thermostat to a temperature that is both comfortable and safe. Each degree lower can save you up to 1 percent on your heating costs.
– Set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise, which helps move warm air trapped near the ceiling back down into the room.
– Avoid using heaters that run continually; they drive up your heating cost.
– Use layered clothing, blankets and other measures to increase comfort.
– Switch off lights when you leave the room.
– Open blinds during the day to allow sunlight in for natural warming. Close them overnight to retain that heat.
– Delay using washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and other large appliances until the warmest part of the day when overall heating demand is less.
A number of businesses downtown closed early Tuesday and remained closed Wednesday, however, most had re-opened by Thursday. Temperatures are expected to remain frigid through the weekend, with night time lows dropping to zero or below. However, a warming trend is expected next week when daytime highs are expected to be in the 40s and 50s.