Emergency management leaders and law enforcement across the Upper Cumberland are warning drivers that improving road conditions will quickly deteriorate overnight as temperatures drop into the single digits.
Overton County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Masiongale said main roads remain passable, but secondary roads across the county are slick and hazardous as refreezing begins. He said falling temperatures will create new ice even on roads that appear safe during daylight hours.
“Any secondary road is a area of concern right now, and tonight, with the temperatures dipping down into the single digits, you’re gonna have some refreezing, and so you’re gonna have more ice on those roadways,” Masiongale said.
Masiongale said electric utilities have limited outages so far, but isolated issues remain possible as tree limbs shift under the weight of ice. He said warming shelters are available if needed and encouraged residents to protect water lines.
White County Emergency Management Director and Fire Coordinator Matt McBride said state roads have improved, but shaded and rural areas remain dangerous as nightfall approaches. He said refreezing will make bridges, overpasses, and pooled water especially hazardous.
“There still may be some bridges and overpasses in the county, and there may still be a few spots that where we had a little ponding or pooling on the roads,” McBride said. “We are expecting that to refreeze tonight when we are gonna see four to six degree temps.”
McBride said White County has avoided widespread power outages during this event and credited preparation efforts by residents. He urged people to protect pets, drip faucets, and stay home if travel is not necessary.
Putnam County Emergency Management Director Brandon Smith said daytime thawing helped clear many roads, but wet pavement will become dangerous after dark. He said black ice remains the county’s biggest concern heading into the overnight hours.
“Folks may be driving down what they think is a dry roadway, and there’s a patch that was wet and refreezes after dark,” Smith said. “We’re really cautioning anybody who has to be out tonight to make sure that they’re aware that there may be patches of black ice, and likely are patches of black ice on just about any roadway.”
Smith said elevation changes, curves, and areas without sunlight are especially risky, particularly during early morning hours before roads can be clearly assessed.
Van Buren County Sheriff Michael Brock said conditions have improved since the morning hours, but county roads remain partially covered in shaded areas. He said drivers should use caution on two-lane roads, especially in western and northwestern sections of the county.
“If they’re driving through county roads, two-lane roads, where there’s trees along the side that have shaded the sunlight today, they’re gonna still find some residual snow and ice on those roads in patches,” Brock said.
Brock said residents needing assistance during overnight cold can contact Van Buren County Central Dispatch using the non-emergency number, 931-946-4000. He urged drivers to slow down and avoid unnecessary travel as temperatures continue to fall.