Tennessee snow slows travel and closes schools, libraries, government offices

Much of Middle Tennessee woke up to about 2 to 3 inches of snow, prompting widespread closures of schools, government offices, and libraries, and warnings of difficult travel conditions. And Tennessee Emergency Management director Patrick Sheehan says that’s likely to be the case for a little while.

The National Weather Service predicts Nashville will have 2 to 3 inches in all. Areas around Clarksville and Waverly have up to 4 inches, with a lighter dusting in the Southeastern part of the Midstate.

In East Nashville there was less than 2 inches, which had resident Adam Yockey feeling relieved as he shoveled before 7 a.m.

“Fortunately, I thought we were going to get maybe 4 inches,” he said, “I’m happy to see it’s only maybe 1 to 2 tops. Makes it a lot easier to clear.”

State and local departments of transportation began treating roads early Monday. Sheehan said during a press briefing that he’s happy there hasn’t been any rain to wash that brine away. Even so, driving could become a challenge.

Sheehan reminded drivers to take it slow and leave extra distance between their vehicle and others on the road. He also suggested having sand or kitty litter on hand for traction and tools like jumper cables, just in case. That’s if you get out on the roads at all.

“Travel could become difficult in the next couple of days. It will stay below freezing here in most of Tennessee for much of the rest of the week,” Sheehan said. “And so we ask folks to just give yourself time to travel if you have to go somewhere. And if you don’t have to be out and about, it’s a great time to snuggle in at home with your family and loved ones.”

If you’re planning on flying out of Nashville International Airport, you should check the status of your flights. More than 40 flights were already canceled or delayed before 8 a.m. A lot of those are arriving from New York, Chicago and Miami. Flights departing to Charlotte, St. Louis and Houston are also affected. Many Southwest Airline flights are impacted.

The governor closed state offices in West and Middle Tennessee and advised state employees to work from home.

Metro Nashville and Williamson County are among the local governments telling workers to stay home from work today.

Nashville’s courts, libraries and health department offices are also closed.

Tony Gonzalez WPLN News

Cars navigate carefully on slick Nashville streets after more than an inch of snow fell.

For those who need a place to stay warm, TEMA has a list of available warming shelters. Sheehan says his agency is updating information on that map as they get word from local agencies.

Nashville’s cold weather overflow shelter is operating on extended hours.

Other government agencies are preparing their responses as well.

• Nashville’s transportation department (NDOT) says it will deploy plows, but warns people to stay home if they can, and drive slowly, especially on roads that haven’t been cleared. The department pre-treated some 2,400 miles of streets in advance.
• Metro Social Services is working ahead on its home visits delivering food and checking on elderly and disabled clients so social workers don’t need to go out in the storm.
• WeGo will run buses Wednesday on a Saturday schedule, with some extra routes. Train riders can rest easy: the WeGo Star will run tomorrow, as will the Star’s shuttle services.

Metro Nashville, Rutherford, Sumner, and Wilson counties were among districts that called off school for Wednesday. Many universities, including TSU, MTSU, and Austin Peay State University are operating on a remote schedule.

National Weather Service

Snow is expected to fall across Middle Tennessee beginning the evening of February 18. Clarksville and other areas northwest of Nashville will be hit the hardest, while areas to the south will see less snow.

This story was last updated at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.