Hub City, surrounding counties prepare for winter storm

JACKSON, Tenn. — As the winter storm moves across the southeast, West Tennessee is likely to see inches of accumulation in surrounding counties.

In the Hub City and in surrounding counties, workers have been preparing days in advance in order to keep travel flowing for those who must get out on the roads. The City of Jackson has more than 400 tons of salt on hand in preparation for winter storms that move through West Tennessee this season.

According to the City of Jackson’s Street Department Superintendent Johnny Weddle, the plan is to pre-salt roads in Jackson before the snow actually falls. 7 trucks carrying 8 to 15 tons of salt will cover 400 miles over the seven districts in the city.

“We’ll be working around the clock. Each shift will be 12 on and 12 off. There will be somebody out here 24 (hours),” said Weddle.

First response facilities and bridges are a priority.

For essential workers and those who must travel, Weddle says main roads and highly traveled routes will be the main focus over the weekend as crews work to clear roads for Monday.

“Highland will be our number one — Ridgecrest, 70 Bypass, and Chester. Those are going to be the roads we are mostly focused on, within those districts,” said Weddle.

Weddle says side streets are not a main focus due to multiple cars being parked on the street and liability reasons. Weddle advises the public to not travel after it snows to give workers a chance to clear the roads. They say to use Wednesday and Thursday to get anything you might need.

We spoke with highway departments in Gibson and Crockett counties, who say they have plows ready and workers on call. In Crockett County, Johnson Grove Road and Old Jackson Road are a top priority.

Carroll County is preparing with the main focus to clear bridges and hills, also Westport Road, Clarksburg Road, Hinkle Dale Road and Buena Vista Road.

And in Chester County, workers will be treating dangerous intersections; focusing on Bishop Road, Sanford Road, Wilson School and Plainview Road – just to name a few.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is responsible for plowing state-owned roads, interstates and state routes, including I-40 and US-412.

For more local news, click here.