Last minute winter storm preparations to make, list of warming shelters open

January 9, 2025

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

JACKSON, Tenn. — Tennessee Department of Transportation crews are racing to beat the snow before it begins falling across West Tennessee.

Last minute preparations to make

TDOT has informed drivers to only get out if you have to. Staying off the roads Friday is going to allow TDOT workers to clear roads.

For last minute prep, make sure you have essential items aside from food such as batteries, means of communication, and flashlights. If your power does cut off, here’s more tips you can use to ensure you’re prepared for this incoming snow.

“The immediate needs would be if power goes out to make sure you have sources for water and there are alternative sources of heat if they are available. Such as natural gas or other things that could be there and because of the possibility of losing lighting. Flashlights and batteries for safety there,” said Steve Bowers, public information officer for Jackson Energy Authority.

Jackson Energy Authority workers work to ensure that year round powerlines are cut down for moments like this.

“The concern is always trees, they bend or break under the weight of snow, accumulated ice or whatever and they are a real threat to utility lines. That’s why tree trimming is such an important part of what we do,” said Bowers.

For those who are essential workers and will have to drive in this weather, officials remind you be careful while driving.

“There are several occasions in the year when outages are caused by a vehicle that has slid off the year or run off road into a utility pole breaking that pole and disrupting service. It’s just only be out when you have to and be careful when you’re out,” said Bowers.

JPD opens warming shelter

During this time there have been numerous warming shelters and warming centers in the hub city. Thursday afternoon the City of Jackson announced that Jackson Police Department will have a space at their police station.

“We have everything down there that’s needed, that’s the blankets, pillows, hygiene. RIFA’s bringing sack dinner for tomorrow night and they’ll deliver that today so it’s available tomorrow night,” said Amy McDonald, executive director for Tennessee Homeless Solutions.

This space will be available Friday, January 10 beginning at 5 p.m. until 8 a.m.

“We’re trying to provide a place for people to get out of the elements most of us live out of town. Weather situations like this that the roads it takes a day or two to be cleared off. We wanted to be prepared just have a place for people to get out of the elements when the volunteers couldn’t get to shelter,” said McDonald.