Dangerously low temperatures are forecast into the Christmas holiday weekend, with lows in the single digits and wind chills below zero.
The National Weather Service is calling for a 50% chance of rain on Thursday which will change over to snow as temperatures fall below freezing. Friday’s forecast is for an 80% chance of snow with only a trace to light accumulation expected. However, due to rapidly falling temperatures, any wet roadways could be subject to flash freezing, and areas of black ice could be possible. Overnight temperatures will be down to 6 on Thursday and 9 on Christmas Eve, with daytime highs only in the 20s or low 30s through Sunday.
Windchills in the valley could be below zero, with higher elevations seeing windchills as low as -15 degrees.
EMA Director Heather Sipe encourages people to plan for those low temperatures and to finish up those holiday chores and errands before the weather deteriorates on Thursday.
WARMING SHELTER, WOOD ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Sipe also said that Warming Shelters will be available for those who live in housing that won’t be capable of providing enough warmth or protection from the bitter cold. Call 638-4099 for that assistance.
Greeneville/Greene County Community Ministries, the Food Bank, and Wood Ministry are also available to provide free wood for those who cannot afford to purchase wood for their fires. However, due to the upcoming holiday hours and closures, the public is encouraged to make those plans and call as soon as possible to help insure delivery. Call the Food Bank at 638-1667 for wood. The Food Bank will be closed Friday through Monday for the holiday weekend.
