Department of Safety & Homeland Security Continues to Help Tennesseans Through Day 3 of Historic Winter Storm

Road conditions are improving across parts of Tennessee, but the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) continues to urge drivers to remain cautious as freezing temperatures can cause ice, downed trees, and other hazardous road conditions.

Since the storm began, THP troopers have worked around the clock to help motorists through several weather-related incidents including assisting stranded drivers, responding to crashes, and clearing roadway hazards to restore safe travel conditions.

"The number of drivers needing assistance has slowed as conditions improve, but we encourage everyone to continue to limit any unnecessary travel," said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. "With continued freezing temperatures, melting snow and ice can refreeze overnight, creating dangerous black ice."

THP Statewide Impact Since 3 a.m. Central Time on Jan. 24:

2 fatal crashes
The cause of the fatalities have not yet been determined. The Tennessee Department of Health will determine whether it is weather-related.72 crashes involving injuries.

317 crashes involving property damage

1423 motorist assists

164 abandoned vehicles

317 roadway obstructions, many caused by downed trees

2 vehicle fires

2859 total phone calls to *THP requesting assistance

"Right now, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers are joining with State Homeland Security Special Agents to lead coordinated efforts to conduct welfare checks on Tennesseans who have not been heard from since the devastating winter storm began," said Colonel Matt Perry. " We encourage Tennesseans who are concerned about their loved ones to reach out to us for a welfare check. Our troopers and agents are trained and equipped to conduct these welfare checks efficiently and compassionately. Letting us conduct the welfare check also keeps drivers off the road which can possibly prevent another emergency."

Families who have been unable to reach loved ones since the storm are encouraged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., to report their concern and provide information that will assist state personnel in conducting welfare checks. TBI activated the 800-TBI-FIND Hotline for only the third time in history to coordinate disaster-related family reconnection efforts.

Troopers continue to patrol statewide and coordinate with local and state first responders and emergency managers as winter weather impacts persist. Drivers are urged to avoid travel if possible. Those who must be on the road should slow down, increase following distance, identify alternate routes ahead of time and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.

For updates on storm response and recovery efforts, visit www.tn.gov/TEMA. State road conditions can be monitored through the Tennessee Department of Transportation's SmartWay Traffic portal, https://smartway.tn.gov/traffic?features=incident,severeImpact,traffic. Follow THP on social channel for updates for residents and motorists.