News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Expect road conditions to worsen as the sun goes down, especially secondary and less-traveled roads.
That from Overton County EMA Director Chris Masiongale, who said people should avoid traveling at all if possible Monday night. If you do venture out, Masiongale said wear extra layers, bring nonperishable food and drinks, and have a way to charge your phone, in case you run into issues.
“You may be stranded there for quite some time,” Masiongale said. “And with the closing of schools and offices there’s not as many people on the roads as there normally are. And so you may be out there for a good, long time and course that could lead to, if you don’t have heat, hypothermia.”
Masiongale said slowing down and taking your time while driving is the best way to avoid having an accident in the first place. Masiongale said people should also tell family members where they are going and when they arrive so others can make sure the driver is safe.
“This time of year especially, if you slide off of a road hopefully someone will see and you’ll be able to use your cell phone,” Masiongale said. “But there are places that you can’t use your cell phone, that you don’t have good cell service.”
Masiongale said black ice is one of the main things people should be careful of on the road because it is difficult to see. Masiongale said he expects the hazardous conditions to last throughout the week.
“Everybody has different capabilities and abilities,” Masiongale said. “If you can get out and go safely, then do so. Like I said, take your time and go slow and be prepared. Especially now with the ground being so saturated and these winds of up to thirty miles an hour, we may have power outages as well.”
Masiongale people should check to make sure they have enough propane and firewood to keep themselves warm while they stay at home. Masiongale said TDOT is salting the roads in the Hanging Limb community to offset reports of icy conditions that are already coming in.
