Winter mix aftermath
JACKSON Tenn. — We take a look at how locals are handling the wintery mix this weekend. It’s been an icy weekend for many across the region and it isn’t going away just yet as single digits approach for the start of the week.
The Williams Kids
Tybarious Williams (12yr) – Black Jacket
Hendrix Williams(6yr)- Middle
Alek Williams(8yr)- Camo Jacket
If you’re embracing the cold like many children across West Tennessee, you’re probably taking a chance at a snowball fight, snow angels, or perhaps a snowman to make the best out of being stuck at home during the winter mix. Most essential workers are trying to maneuver their vehicles out of their driveways, back roads and side streets by any means necessary.
“It’s just real rough out here. If you can, don’t leave the house. If you have to leave the house be prepared for it. Get stuff that you need. Get cat litter even though you don’t have a cat. You can use kitty litter as a dry adhesive to put behind your tire to move on ice, so you need that. Always have some kind of drywall, cat litter, dog food. Anything to keep in your car that’s really dry that you can put behind your tire. You will be able to move with that,” said Bruce Hall, Jackson resident.
Hall tells us when he woke up at 5am, he knew what to expect.
“I’ve just been looking at it out my window and paying attention to. I was like oh my gosh, I know what I have to do when I do leave,” said Hall.
We are seeing communications impacts in some areas of the state due to power outages and ice damage affecting phone towers. These disruptions may limit cellular service and are contributing to increased call volume and congestion on 911 systems.
“250,000 across the state of Tennessee are those that are without power. We are working to restore power as quickly and as safely making sure Tennesseans have access to shelter and critical services,” said Governor Bill Lee and Patrick Sheehan, Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
TDOT tells us if you have to be out, give yourself plenty of time, watch how close you are to the vehicle beside you, keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, and be easy on the brakes.
“For motorist that do have to be out, if you see our crews out working be sure to give them plenty of space to work. These personnel are going to be out for days and they’re really trying hard to clear the roads for everyone to have a safe commute when this event is over,” said TDOT Communications Specialist Nichole Lawrence.
If you have to be out, make sure to have the essentials in case you get stranded like blankets, food, and water, and a phone charger. Below freezing temperatures can quickly become dangerous if you are without proper shelter.
