KNOXVILLE, Tenn (WATE) — A wintry mix and snow arrived Thursday across East Tennessee and roadways in some area counties plus in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced traffic impacts; which include delays or road closures – as freezing temperatures set in bringing potential for ice. This story will be updated frequently.
Here’s what we know so far:
Tennessee Department of Transportation
Friday morning, TDOT spokesman Mark Nagi said TDOT crews have cleared all roadways, medians, turn lanes, and shoulders region-wide, adding that “routes are drying, and we are seeing more sunshine.”
As routes dry, TDOT crews will be leaving, with most exiting by noon Friday.
Counties will have a presence overnight to monitor bridges, overpasses, and protect from refreeze.
Knox County
- No major reports yet as of Friday morning. Check back for updates.
- Knoxville Police said Friday morning that all primary and most secondary roads are clear. Ice and snow are still reportedly covering many neighborhood and side streets, especially in the north and northeast areas of the city. Please continue to use caution on your morning commute.
Sevier County
Friday morning, the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency said as of 6:30 a.m., there were some reports of icy spots in Jones Cove and English Mountain due to the light snowfall last night and cold temperatures.
“Main and secondary roads are currently reported in good shape. Be careful on the ‘usual spots’ where ice can form on roads, especially in steep mountain terrain.”
Around 10 a.m. Friday, Sevier County EMA reminded drivers to be careful: “Overnight low temps have caused several roads to become icy. Please use caution when traveling.”
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- CLOSED– US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg, Tenn. to Cherokee, N.C.
- REOPENED – Little River Road, Cherokee Orchard Road, Cades Cave Loop Road, Laurel Creek Road and all now open.
Gatlinburg
- All roads are open
Sevierville
Friday morning, Sevierville Police said Sevierville roads are in good condition, however some patchy black ice may be present.
“Motorists should remain cautious, especially on bridges.Public Works crews applied salt to bridges this morning & on the hill on Hwy 66 b/t Hwy 139 & I40 exit 407.”
Wears Valley
- All roads are open
Blount County
Friday morning, Blount County Sheriff’s Office said its agency and the Blount County Fire Department are working a residential fire investigation. The announcement came in around 8:30 a.m. as a travel advisory along Sevierville Road (U.S. 411 North) near Doc Norton Road.
Earlier in the morning, the agency had stated the following on its social media regarding roads:
“Good morning, Blount County. We haven’t heard of any icy roads in the county yet, however please be aware that there could be black ice on the roads, especially our secondary roads and on bridges and overpasses. Please use caution if you are traveling this morning. Temperatures are forecasted to remain below freezing today, so any black ice on the roads could remain throughout the day and evening. We can look forward to Saturday’s expected high of 45 degrees. Meanwhile, please stay safe if you must travel today!”
Morristown
Friday morning, Morristown Police said road conditions in Morristown are good this morning but watch for slick areas on side streets.
Claiborne County
Friday morning, Claiborne County Mayor Joe Brooks said county roads would remain closed and he asked that people who do not have be out today to remain home.
“After looking over the conditions of Claiborne County’s roads this morning I have decided to keep the county closed today. While assessing the roads I have determined the valuable work done by the Claiborne County Highway Department, the cities’ maintenance crews and other individuals to clear our roadways have succumb to the freezing temperatures. The current conditions of our roads are frozen and very slick due to snow pack and black ice. Due to this I am asking that everyone who does not have be out today to remain home.
“I would like to thank those who have been out during the storm and overnight, and who will be out today to serve those in need and get our county back open. Thank you to the Claiborne County Highway Department, the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department, EMS, and the cities of Tazewell, New Tazewell, Harrogate and Cumberland Gap for clearing our roadways! Although I have not heard of any power outages overnight, I know Powell Valley Electric will be out today removing any limbs or downed tress that may causes outage issues. Please keep all those individuals in our thoughts who will be out working in this cold winter weather today.”
Tennessee Highway Patrol
- Reminder to call *847 (*THP) if you need roadway assistance from a THP Trooper.
- Thursday, I-75 in Campbell County was snow covered, THPS advised drivers to not travel today if they don’t have to.
This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.
This story will be updated as closures are reported.
