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Tennessee remains at a Level III State of Emergency today
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February 17, 2015

Tennessee remains under a State of Emergency, and motorist are advised to avoid all unecessary travel. Roads remain treacherous with many roads still impassable. Traffic came to a stop in some areas, stranding several hundred motorists on roadways overnight. Light snow fallings in some areas is making travel even more hazardous as snow cover masks icy roadways.

The following is the 8 a.m., CST, update from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency on the severe weather response in the state. TEMA’s Media Line is 615-741-0430.

Tennessee remains at a Level III – State of Emergency today as assisting stranded motorists, clearing Interstates and roads, and addressing power outages are priorities today for State Agencies.

CURRENT SITUATION

• The winter precipitation has moved out of Tennessee leaving behind very cold temperatures. The expectation is for temperatures to not be above freezing before the weekend.

• There have been three (3) weather-related fatalities in the state – one (1) in Knox County and two (2) in Williamson County.

• More than 60,000 customers are without power this morning across 17 counties, with the highest outages in Bedford, Knox and Monroe counties.

• All of the Interstates around Middle Tennessee remain hazardous this morning with reports of slow-moving traffic, stranded motorists and lanes closed in many locations. Roads and bridges remain slick across the state, and secondary roads remain hazardous.

RESPONSE ACTIONS

• Level III-State of Emergency declared at 9 p.m., CST, on Feb. 16, 2015.

• National Guard, TDOT, TEMA, THP, TWRA, along with local EMAs responded to a 12-mile back-up, involving more than 675 vehicles on I-40 east bound in Humphreys County last night. Traffic is open but moving slowly this morning.

• Tennessee Department of Military has placed 34 personnel, 17 Humvees and two Blackhawk helicopters on standby to assist with wellness checks and response needs.

• VOAD deploying five chainsaw crews to Roane County to assist with debris clearing and wellness checks.

• TEMA’s Middle and East Regional Coordination Centers are open and staffed, and receiving county situation reports.

• There are eight shelters open in Tennessee with 14 occupants – 11 in Marshall County and three in Jellico. Other shelters are open in Caryville, Machester, Crossville, Cookeville, Monteagle, Dyersburg, Kingston and Madisonville.

KEY MESSAGES

• Call 511, or visit www.tn511.com, before traveling into areas affected by severe winter weather for updates from TDOT on hazardous roadway conditions.

• Call *THP (*847) from any mobile phone if your vehicle gets stranded to be connected to the closest Tennessee Highway Patrol dispatcher who can send help.

• Call 911 in the event of an emergency.

PRIORITIES

1. Monitor traffic situation.

2. Address power issues.

3. Assist with debris management and removal.

Download the ReadyTN app to get weather, road conditions and emergency preparedness information on your smartphone.