The potential impacts of severe winter weather this weekend continues to grow in probability.
According to the National Weather Service, as colder air moves into our area, there will be chances for “impactful snow and ice”. Local EMA Director Heather Sipe said knowing which area will get snow, rain, or ice, and the amounts of each, is hard to predict at this point. Forecasters say confidence should improve by mid to late week as the system becomes better defined.
According to the NWS, the probability of at least “moderate” winter storm impacts has increased to warrant attention. There is a 40-60% chance of moderate impacts from the expected winter storm this weekend. Moderate impacts include anything that disrupts your daily life, such as hazardous driving conditions or disruptions and closures to infrastructure.
Sam Roberts, with National Weather Service (Morristown), said that a high-impact event is becoming increasingly more likely. There is currently a 20-30% chance of major impacts, such as dangerous or impossible driving conditions, and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure.
Sipe says that this Winter Storm, named “Fern” will be a complete state of Tennessee Weather event beginning on Friday and ending on Sunday. Temperatures will remain frigid in to the next week. The NWS predicts snow on the northern end of the precipitation shield, with significant icing south.
Roberts, in talking about potential snowfall levels, said that as the weekend approaches, they will be able to more confidently predict what some of these totals could be. One forecast model shows anywhere from 6-8 inches, with others predicting 10-12″.
The NWS shares some of the ways you can prepare for this weekend today are to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and to fuel your car and heating sources. Later in the week, they recommend bringing outdoor pets indoors and having multiple ways to recieve warnings. During and after the storm, they suggest keeping generators at least 20 feet from your home, driving only if necessary, and checking on neighbors and family.
You can also get together a winter kit for your car, NWS suggests, which includes cell phone chargers, jumper cables, snow tires, matches, food and water, tow rope, shovels, ice scrapers, snow brushes, warm clothes, and more.
Furthermore, NWS encourages only driving if necessary during moderate-to-high impact winter weather. Stay safe on the roads by avoiding risky driving, wearing your seatbelt, and avoiding distracted driving.
Forecasters urge residents to continue monitoring the forecast as this weekend approaches.
Radio Greeneville also will keep you updated on the forecasts this week. Remember you can sign up for our news and weather alerts by texting the word NEWS to 423-340-5050.
