KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

As a winter storm makes its way to Middle Tennessee this weekend, Tullahoma residents start making preparations for the possible snow and ice.

A winter storm watch was issued for all of Middle Tennessee for Friday evening through Sunday by the National Weather Service on Wednesday, Jan. 21. According to the National Weather service, chances of 6 inches of snow or more are highest for areas generally along and north of I-40. There is increasing concern for freezing rain and/or sleet for areas south of I-40, and more ice may mean less snow accumulation, but significant impacts will remain. Start time is still uncertain as of writing and the bulk of snow and ice accumulation looks to be Saturday, but light snow may start falling Friday afternoon or evening. Temperatures will be frigid this weekend and are expected to stay below freezing Friday evening through next Tuesday or Wednesday. The coldest temperatures are expected Monday morning and Tuesday morning with widespread single digits.

Local meteorologist Christopher King shared on Wednesday, Jan. 21, that Tullahoma could see up to 0.25 inches of ice, while Moore and Franklin counties could more ice.

“Needless to say, this forecast could bring about major disruptions to many people, and losing power could be one of those things. Please make sure you are beginning to plan accordingly,” King said.

In another update on Thursday, King said while the chances of snow were low, the NWS still had Tullahoma getting under 0.25 inches of icing, as well as seeing more chances of rain. He concluded his post by stating that things could change at any time and to stay tuned with weather updates.

Tullahoma Utilities Authority (TUA) also issued an advisory to residents and customers about how they should prepare for the upcoming winter weather.

“With snow and ice in the forecast, TUA is closely monitoring conditions and is prepared to respond if outages occur,” TUA officials said in a statement to The News. “Our crews will be on standby to assess damage, restore power safely, and respond as quickly as possible while prioritizing safety for both employees and the public.”

“If outages do occur,” officials continued, “we ask customers to be patient as crews work through conditions that may be dangerous or difficult to access. Safety is always our first priority, followed closely by restoring service as efficiently as possible. We will continue to share updates through our social media channels and other communication platforms as conditions change.”

TUA officials also reminded residents to protect their pipes by opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate, and insulating any exposed lines. They added to use space heaters safely by keeping them away from flammable items and never leaving them unattended.

“It’s also a good idea to have emergency supplies on hand, including batteries, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, flashlights, and phone chargers or power banks.”

Meanwhile, Community Engagement Officer Lyle Russell issued a winter update/PSA from the city’s Facebook page on Thursday, Jan. 22, where he went over updates from NWS and what residents should do to be prepared.

The steps he, and local agencies like the Coffee County EMA, TUA and the police and fire departments, provided include:

1 – Take common-sense precautions for cold weather effects and don’t panic.

2 – Stay home when you can and stay off of the roads as much as possible. Our emphasis is to stay home.

3 – Outdoor pets should be take care of for shelter or brought indoors during this time.

4 – This weather is impacting areas across the state, not just here. If you have travel plans, consider changing or cancelling them now.

5 – Check in with family, neighbors, and friends throughout when you can. If you or they need help, first responders are standing by to assist.

6 – Be smart about heating and heat sources. Follow the fire department’s guidance for using portable heaters or fireplaces.

7 – Report any utility outages to your local utility providers, as they will have crews on stand by to assist.

8 – Stay off the roads as conditions are expected to be unfavorable and possibly dangerous for travel. Salt and brine loses effectiveness around 25° and less. The main roads will be treated but as the temperatures drop, roads can refreeze, even when treated.

9 – If anyone does have to travel, take it slow and avoid hills/inclines. Some roads in Tullahoma may be closed due to inclines, so know safe routes to travel if you have to. Again, when you can, stay home.

10 – Find and follow trusted sources for weather information, and have more than one way to get weather information.

Russell concluded his video update with thanking the first responders, who will be on standby throughout the storm to assist any and all residents who need help, as well as TUA, Coffee County EMA, and the Public Works Department.

“We study for these (situations), we plan for these (situations), we prepare for these (situations) and we are ready for these (situations),” Russell said. “Stay safe Tullahoma, try to do the best you can to stay off the roads, stay home if possible, stay warm and we will see you. Take care and be safe.”