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While Tullahoma was able to avoid the worse of the ice which crippled other parts of the mid-state leaving a quarter million without power, there were some local impacts much having to do with the bitter arctic cold.

According to Community Engagement Officer Lyle Russell, Tullahoma received approximately three inches of rain and 1.25 inches of snow and ice this past weekend. The precipitation was followed by arctic cold which sent temperatures plunging to near 0 and wind chills in the minus category.

“Public Works pre-emptively salted city main and side roads, while TDOT treated Jackson Street and Wilson Avenue,” Russell said. “These efforts kept main roads mostly passable throughout the event.”

He added that crews also worked with Tullahoma Utilities Authority (TUA) to clear storm drains before temperatures dropped below freezing.

“Tullahoma was largely spared from severe impacts,” Russell said. “First responders reported no major incidents, with only two roads temporarily closed due to icy conditions on hills (W. Grundy St. and S. Jefferson St.). Four trees fell in public spaces without causing damage or outages, and crews quickly cleared all hazards. The city provided regular updates through social media and the city website throughout the event.”

City Administrator Jason Quick thanked employees from Public Works, Safety & Codes, Tullahoma Police, and Fire departments, along with partner agencies including Coffee County Emergency Management and TUA, for their work keeping the community safe.

“The city also appreciates local businesses that remained open as long as they could and cleared their parking lots to serve residents,” Russell said.

Also on hand during the winter storm was Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC), who have been providing updates to its customers throughout the storm. In an update shared on Monday, Jan. 26, DREMC stated crews were able to restore power to more than 6,100 members, down from the about 9,283 members during the height of the storm.

“These are long days and difficult for our crews, working in truly tough conditions,” said DREMC President and CEO James Wright. “When they feel the support of our members — patience, understanding, and allowing them the space to work safely — it reinforces why this work matters and why we keep pushing forward. Around here, that sense of community still carries real weight.”

In a follow-up statement, DREMC officials said they were still working on restoring power to its customers as quickly and safely as possible, where about 360 line workers, construction contractors, right of way crews, engineers and internal staff were on hand to restore power.

“Due to the extent of the damage and ongoing hazardous conditions, restoration timelines remain difficult to predict,” DREMC officials said.

Although its crews were working around the clock to restore power, DREMC officials offered guidance to customers who were still without power, and those with medical concerns, warning that it could still take a day or two given the cold temperatures expected Monday evening and Tuesday.

“While progress has exceeded our expectations so far, nothing is guaranteed, and we do not want anyone to be caught in an unsafe situation,” DREMC officials said. “With the cold temperatures expected tonight, if you believe you may need to relocate temporarily, please make the decision that is best for your household’s warmth and safety.”

DREMC officials continued and said, “We remain optimistic about continued progress, but we want everyone to fully understand the conditions we are facing. Please make the best decisions you can for yourself and your family. Resources for shelters and warming centers are available at dremc.com/storm. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”