City Prepares for Weekend Winter Storm

The City of Knoxville is preparing for another round of wintry weather. On Friday, Jan. 29, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the city and surrounding areas. Snow and dangerously cold temperatures are expected this weekend, with precipitation expected to arrive tomorrow afternoon.

As a result, City Departments and partners are already preparing, in hopes of keeping everyone safe.

Public Service/Road Preparations:

• Public Service crews started brining at 5 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, and will continue Friday, Jan. 30

• Public Service stands ready to switch to snow removal plan, if needed

• Salt and brine supplies are nearly fully stocked

• Public Service will have staff in the Emergency Operations Center, to ensure quick response to any troubled spots

Knoxville Police Department:

• KPD will open its operation center at noon Friday to monitor weather, calls for service and real-time community impacts and adjust response as needed

• If conditions deteriorate, KPD will transition to its Severe Weather Snow Plan

• Officers will also transport, or help arrange transportation, for any individuals they encounter to a warming centers, if needed

• KPD will also have staff in the Emergency Operations Center in coordination with KEMA

Knoxville Fire Department:

• KFD will have 5 TRT's (Triage Response Teams) on standby

• If conditions deteriorate, KFD will transition to its severe weather plan

• KFD will have staff in the Emergency Operations Center in coordination with KEMA

• Looks for Winter Weather updates and safety tips on KFD's Facebook page

Office of Housing Stability

• Warming Centers (Church St UMC, Cokesbury Church, and Eternal Life Harvest Center) are open

• ReLaunch will continue to operate as a seasonal shelter, and KARM will continue to operate at full surge capacity

• KAT will continue to provide free bus rides to warming centers

• For more information on warming centers go to: knoxtnhousing.org/warming-centers


Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency:

• Weather briefing and coordination meeting happened today

• Emergency Operations Center will be opened by tomorrow afternoon

• Follow KEMA on Facebook for winter weather safety tips


Please look for any additional updates on the City's social media channels.