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Preparing for Winter Weather: What to Expect and How the Upper Cumberland Is Responding
Forecasting winter weather in Tennessee is notoriously difficult due to slow-moving storm systems, competing cold and warm air masses, and rapidly changing atmospheric conditions that can shift precipitation from rain to sleet, freezing rain, or snow with little notice. With a winter storm warning in effect and the potential for significant ice and snow accumulations, agencies across the Upper Cumberland are preparing for a range of impacts, including power outages, hazardous travel, school and campus disruptions, and increased emergency response needs. Schools, utilities, hospitals, road crews, emergency services, and volunteer organizations have activated preparedness plans, staged personnel and equipment, and urged residents to prepare now by charging devices, securing emergency supplies, protecting homes and pipes, using generators safely, and avoiding unnecessary travel. Officials emphasize that the greatest risks may come after precipitation ends, as freezing temperatures are expected to linger into next week, making road conditions and recovery efforts more challenging.
Winter weather tricky to forecast, be prepared
Winter weather tricky to forecast, be prepared
Will it snow? Will it rain? Will it be a mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow?
Who knows!
But one thing is for sure: forecasting winter weather in Tennessee is tricky!
“It’s hard to get a handle on this type of weather forecasting due to a lot of factors,” said Cookeville Weather Guy Michael Detwiler.
The latest winter storm warning issued states that heavy mixed precipitation is expected with total snow and sleet accumulations up to six inches and ice accumulations between a tenth and three-quarters of an inch.
Any amount of ice can bring down trees and power lines.
The main factors include the fact that this system is fueled by a slow cut-off low pressure system, which is disconnected from the movement of other weather systems with cold air from the Canadian Rockies fighting to move south. Since this is a slow moving system and with the warm nose trying to move up from the Gulf, it makes it tricky to forecast what type of precipitation we will see.
“This is why I tell people to not get attached to any forecasts a week ahead of time,” Detwiler said. “It constantly changes.”
Meteorologists rely on a number of models to create forecasts. A lot of times, those models don’t come into agreement until 24-48 hours before the event.
“The bigger story is the cold air that is coming behind it,” he said. “Whatever falls over the weekend will make traveling treacherous due to the freezing temperatures that follow.”
Temperatures are forecast to be below freezing all next week.
Electric and road departments, emergency services, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville Regional Medical Center and fire departments will have extra personnel on hand to address any needs.
Putnam County Schools
The system puts 13 snow days in the calendar year. So far this year, two have been used.
“In ideal situations, we can make calls on snow days the night before we close, but unfortunately, the weather and forecasts don’t always cooperate,” Corby King, director of Putnam County Schools, said. “We will do our best to communicate any changes to the school day as quickly as possible. We strive to post messages on our website and social media pages and contact media sources for early morning closings by 5:30 a.m. Phone calls and text messages are scheduled to go out at 6 a.m. I encourage you to have a plan ready for your family.”
Upper Cumberland Electric Cooperative
Power outages are more than likely going to occur.
UCEMC has a few tips to prepare for that.
-
Charge devices and keep backup batteries available - Download the UCEMC app or bookmark UCEMC's outage map on our website
- Prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, medications, blankets, and nonperishable food
- Plan for medical needs including devices that require electricity and identify backup options
- Fuel vehicles and keep extra phone charging cords in the car
- Protect pipes by insulating exposed areas and letting faucets drip if temperatures drop sharply
- Stay far away from downed power lines, they could still be energized
If you experience an outage:
-
Text "OUT" to 1-800-261-2940 - Call our phone system at 1-800-261-2940 and press 1
- Mobile App: Login, select your account, choose “Menu”, “Services”, “Report an Outage.”
- Website: Click the "Report Online" button at the top of the page at UCEMC.com.
- Please do not report outages on Facebook as it is not monitored for outage reports
Cookeville Energy Department
Director Carl Haney says the department is ready for any potential storm.
“These last few days we are making sure trucks and equipment are ready and we will be operating our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during the event,” he said. “The EOC will be used to dispatch our crews, monitor our substations, and utilize our new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to help identify outages as they occur.”
Energy department employees are prepared to respond if the winter storm hits.
There are five crews that will be available as well as numerous substation, engineering and administrative staff that can respond if needed. All 48 electric and 19 gas employees are on standby during events such as this.
“Safety is always our number one priority, so we make sure our crews have all safety resources available to them,” he said. “Besides the hazards of working with electricity and gas, cold and fatigue are two issues they face as well.”
He also suggests letting them know if there is medical equipment, such as life support, oxygen or kidney dialysis to better serve any needs. Email amathis@cookeville-tn.gov for more information.
* Make sure you have a good supply of flashlights, batteries and power banks to recharge cell phones. To help with keeping the house warm, make sure ceiling fans are running clockwise to push heat down and open any blinds that allow sun to enter the rooms.
“And, if they use a generator, we ask them to make sure it is used correctly to protect themselves and our crews,” he said.
Here are some tips for those who might use generators.
People who use portable generators during a power outage should be extremely cautious. The improper use can cause serious injury and even death.
Never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Plug appliances directly into the generator. Use extension cords, if necessary, but do not exceed the recommended wattage noted on the generator.
Never connect the generator to your home’s main wiring circuit without the use of a transfer switch. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.
Remember, even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded, resulting in overheating or generator failure. Be sure to read the instructions.
Putnam County Fire Department
The biggest concern with power outages is carbon monoxide poisoning, Fire Chief Jeff Hicks said.
“It’s tasteless and odorless,” he said. “Please check to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work.”
Fires do happen and when the calls come in, they are ready.
“There will be extra personnel on call,” he said.
One challenge with the freezing temps is keeping the pumps from freezing.
“That’s a challenge, so when freezing temps hit, we put the trucks in pumper mode so the water is moving through it,” he said. “Please don’t get out if you don’t need to.”
Cookeville Public Works
The department will have 3-5 trucks ready to cover the three priority routes first, with five CDL trucks and two pickup trucks staged to treat city streets, public lots and harder to access areas.
A reminder for everyone driving: salt spreaders must move slowly so salt stays on the roadway. Please don’t tailgate or pass. Give those crews space so they can work safely and effectively.
Tennessee Tech University
University administration sent an email outlining plans to keep essential services going for the campus community.
Facilities personnel are pre-treating the roads and sidewalks on campus Friday and will continue servicing the campus throughout the weekend.
The university has also recently added a redundant electrical utility feed that will serve as a backup for the campus in the event that our primary electrical circuit suffers a blackout.
A decision regarding a campus closure for Monday, Jan. 26, will be made no later than noon on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Please refer to tntech.edu/weather for information on where campus closure or delay announcements will be shared.
In the event of a campus closure, residence halls will remain staffed and fully operational for all on-campus students, and Dining Services will continue serving meals at The Caf.
Determinations on the ability to open additional campus dining locations and other campus services (e.g., The Burn, Health Services) will be made as weather conditions permit.
When the campus is closed, this typically means all employees are excused from their duties unless informed otherwise by their supervisor (e.g., essential on-site personnel for campus operations). However, in the event of a prolonged closure, some staff may be asked to begin working remotely. Therefore, university employees are encouraged to take their work devices home on Friday, Jan. 23. Employees should also ensure all windows in their buildings are closed before departing campus.
In the event of a campus closure, employees who are not required to report to campus to perform their duties can help us prioritize student needs by remaining at home and keeping roads clear for facilities teams and emergency personnel.
During icy conditions, some building entrances and stairwells may become hazardous. Whenever possible, use each building's ADA accessible entrance for safer passage. Students who remain on campus are encouraged to park in green-zoned parking lots to reduce walking distances to residence halls and allow our teams to use red- and gold-zoned lots for snow removal.
Students residing at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville are strongly encouraged to consider alternate arrangements for the weekend due to the center’s remote location and the potential for impassable roads. University representatives will reach out directly to affected students.
All students, whether residing on or off campus, may wish to consider gathering some emergency supplies, such as nonperishable food items, a flashlight with extra batteries, and items to stay warm.
Cookeville water quality
When bad weather is forecast, the city’s five water tanks are filled to capacity. Those tanks provide a little more than 24 hours of storage, so water will be able to get out if electricity does go out at the water plant.
“If it appears an outage may last for a longer period, we will issue a public notice to reduce water usage,” said Barry Turner, director. “There is a project underway to install a generator at the water treatment plant but it’s a few months from being completed.”
He also noted that sometimes water meters freeze, but a layer of snow acts as an insulation.
With regards to sewer, backup power is available at two of the pump stations along with a diesel pump at another station along with three portable generators. With the forecast calling for ice, he said they are placing some of those generators at larger stations, realizing the conditions may not be favorable to move them around.
Homeowner plumbing advice
Frozen pipes are not fun to deal with, but with a bit of preparation, maybe it can be avoided.
“Disconnect your outside hoses and cover them if possible,” Garry Brown, owner of Putnam Plumbing said. “Keep your faucets dripping and open cabinet doors to let the warmer air in.”
He also said to check other outdoor buildings that may not be frequently used in the winter.
“Know where your main line shut off valve is and make sure it works,” he said. “Also close your foundation vents.”
His crew is on standby if anything comes up. Call 520-FLOW to get information.
Putnam County EMS
Director Tommy Copeland will have extra personnel on standby and will have more ambulances available.
“Be proactive and get your medicine, doctor’s appointments and other things taken care of before the storm hits,” he said. “We have to be very cautious because there are places we can’t go. So if you don’t have to get out, please stay home.”
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
Emergency preparedness director Tyler Smith said the hospital is well prepared in advance of this winter storm.
“The hospital is providing accommodations for staff to stay overnight,” he said. “They’ve even come together to take over the shifts of those who live further out.”
There are three large diesel generators that can power the essentials for extended days.
“Facilities crews are working to keep the campus safe by salting the sidewalks and parking lots,” he said. “We’re well prepared.”
They ask that people stay tuned to CRMC’s social media channels for updates on closures and changes. Visit crmchealth.org to find the links.
Monterey
Energy department employees are prepared to respond if the winter storm hits.
There are five crews that will be available as well as numerous substation, engineering and administrative staff that can respond if needed. All 48 electric and 19 gas employees are on standby during events such as this.
“Safety is always our number one priority, so we make sure our crews have all safety resources available to them,” he said. “Besides the hazards of working with electricity and gas, cold and fatigue are two issues they face as well.”
He also suggests letting them know if there is medical equipment, such as life support, oxygen or kidney dialysis to better serve any needs. Email amathis@cookeville-tn.gov for more information.
* Make sure you have a good supply of flashlights, batteries and power banks to recharge cell phones. To help with keeping the house warm, make sure ceiling fans are running clockwise to push heat down and open any blinds that allow sun to enter the rooms.
“And, if they use a generator, we ask them to make sure it is used correctly to protect themselves and our crews,” he said.
Here are some tips for those who might use generators.
People who use portable generators during a power outage should be extremely cautious. The improper use can cause serious injury and even death.
Never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Plug appliances directly into the generator. Use extension cords, if necessary, but do not exceed the recommended wattage noted on the generator.
Never connect the generator to your home’s main wiring circuit without the use of a transfer switch. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.
Remember, even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded, resulting in overheating or generator failure. Be sure to read the instructions.
Putnam County Fire Department
The biggest concern with power outages is carbon monoxide poisoning, Fire Chief Jeff Hicks said.
“It’s tasteless and odorless,” he said. “Please check to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work.”
Fires do happen and when the calls come in, they are ready.
“There will be extra personnel on call,” he said.
One challenge with the freezing temps is keeping the pumps from freezing.
“That’s a challenge, so when freezing temps hit, we put the trucks in pumper mode so the water is moving through it,” he said. “Please don’t get out if you don’t need to.”
Cookeville Public Works
The department will have 3-5 trucks ready to cover the three priority routes first, with five CDL trucks and two pickup trucks staged to treat city streets, public lots and harder to access areas.
A reminder for everyone driving: salt spreaders must move slowly so salt stays on the roadway. Please don’t tailgate or pass. Give those crews space so they can work safely and effectively.
Tennessee Tech University
University administration sent an email outlining plans to keep essential services going for the campus community.
Facilities personnel are pre-treating the roads and sidewalks on campus Friday and will continue servicing the campus throughout the weekend.
The university has also recently added a redundant electrical utility feed that will serve as a backup for the campus in the event that our primary electrical circuit suffers a blackout.
A decision regarding a campus closure for Monday, Jan. 26, will be made no later than noon on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Please refer to tntech.edu/weather for information on where campus closure or delay announcements will be shared.
In the event of a campus closure, residence halls will remain staffed and fully operational for all on-campus students, and Dining Services will continue serving meals at The Caf.
Determinations on the ability to open additional campus dining locations and other campus services (e.g., The Burn, Health Services) will be made as weather conditions permit.
When the campus is closed, this typically means all employees are excused from their duties unless informed otherwise by their supervisor (e.g., essential on-site personnel for campus operations). However, in the event of a prolonged closure, some staff may be asked to begin working remotely. Therefore, university employees are encouraged to take their work devices home on Friday, Jan. 23. Employees should also ensure all windows in their buildings are closed before departing campus.
In the event of a campus closure, employees who are not required to report to campus to perform their duties can help us prioritize student needs by remaining at home and keeping roads clear for facilities teams and emergency personnel.
During icy conditions, some building entrances and stairwells may become hazardous. Whenever possible, use each building's ADA accessible entrance for safer passage. Students who remain on campus are encouraged to park in green-zoned parking lots to reduce walking distances to residence halls and allow our teams to use red- and gold-zoned lots for snow removal.
Students residing at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville are strongly encouraged to consider alternate arrangements for the weekend due to the center’s remote location and the potential for impassable roads. University representatives will reach out directly to affected students.
All students, whether residing on or off campus, may wish to consider gathering some emergency supplies, such as nonperishable food items, a flashlight with extra batteries, and items to stay warm.
Cookeville water quality
When bad weather is forecast, the city’s five water tanks are filled to capacity. Those tanks provide a little more than 24 hours of storage, so water will be able to get out if electricity does go out at the water plant.
“If it appears an outage may last for a longer period, we will issue a public notice to reduce water usage,” said Barry Turner, director. “There is a project underway to install a generator at the water treatment plant but it’s a few months from being completed.”
He also noted that sometimes water meters freeze, but a layer of snow acts as an insulation.
With regards to sewer, backup power is available at two of the pump stations along with a diesel pump at another station along with three portable generators. With the forecast calling for ice, he said they are placing some of those generators at larger stations, realizing the conditions may not be favorable to move them around.
Homeowner plumbing advice
Frozen pipes are not fun to deal with, but with a bit of preparation, maybe it can be avoided.
“Disconnect your outside hoses and cover them if possible,” Garry Brown, owner of Putnam Plumbing said. “Keep your faucets dripping and open cabinet doors to let the warmer air in.”
He also said to check other outdoor buildings that may not be frequently used in the winter.
“Know where your main line shut off valve is and make sure it works,” he said. “Also close your foundation vents.”
His crew is on standby if anything comes up. Call 520-FLOW to get information.
Putnam County EMS
Director Tommy Copeland will have extra personnel on standby and will have more ambulances available.
“Be proactive and get your medicine, doctor’s appointments and other things taken care of before the storm hits,” he said. “We have to be very cautious because there are places we can’t go. So if you don’t have to get out, please stay home.”
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
Emergency preparedness director Tyler Smith said the hospital is well prepared in advance of this winter storm.
“The hospital is providing accommodations for staff to stay overnight,” he said. “They’ve even come together to take over the shifts of those who live further out.”
There are three large diesel generators that can power the essentials for extended days.
“Facilities crews are working to keep the campus safe by salting the sidewalks and parking lots,” he said. “We’re well prepared.”
They ask that people stay tuned to CRMC’s social media channels for updates on closures and changes. Visit crmchealth.org to find the links.
Monterey
- First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall is typically used for shelter during storms.
- Per David Corley, Monterey’s Public Information Officer, the city has prepared equipment, all generators have been tested and fueled. Reminds people to take care of their outside animals. Make sure they have shelter and warmth, access to food and water.
- Will be posting updates on the Monterey Police Department - Tennessee Facebook page.
Baxter
- Per Fire Chief Matt White, the city has brought on extra staffing, personnel, etc.
- People should make sure they have enough food, water, and warmth to withstand a day or two.
- Back-up heating in case of power outages, extra blankets.
- Let faucets drip, check outside faucets for leaks.
- Keep pets inside
- Mayor Danny Holmes said that some of the churches will open the doors for people for shelter.
“All they have to do is reach out to our churches.”
Putnam County Road Department
County road superintendent Randy Jones says his department has plenty of salt and crews ready to clear the roads, but it’s all a wait and see right now.
“There are problem areas in the eastern part of the county, but we will be out and about treating roads,” he said. “If you don’t have to be out, please stay home and be patient.”
TDOT
- Per its social media accounts, salt supplies have been replenished
- Snow plows and brine trucks are ready.
- People are encouraged to stay off the roads for non-essential travel
- Crews are putting brine on the interstates and state routes Thursday and Friday, according to Erin Ziegler, Middle TN Regional Communications Officer
Tennessee Disaster Response Team
Emergency generators are ready for use, according to Ken Hall with the Tennessee Disaster Response Team. They are only available in extreme situations like someone who is on oxygen, etc. Life and death situations.
Monterey First Baptist Family Life Center is set up as a storm shelter for the people of Monterey and people stranded on I-40.
4-wheel drive vehicles are on standby to help those stranded on I-40.
All volunteers have been alerted and equipment is ready to go help clear any roads, such as chainsaws, tractors, etc.
Volunteers with 4-wheel drive vehicles are sought to help in response and possibly transport victims to get aid. Requests for help should be sent via text to Ken Hall at 931-239-3318. Be sure to include name, address and need.
Follow Tennessee Disaster Response Team on Facebook for updates
Upper Cumberland Weather
Anthony Taylor with Upper Cumberland Weather is predicting a portion of Middle Tennessee to get heavy mix - snow and sleet accumulations between 2-8 inches. Ice up to ¼” . Midnight Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday night. Power outages, tree damage from ice likely. Travel may not be possible.
Keep extra flashlights, food, and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.
Call 511 for the latest road conditions for your state.
