The US National Weather Service in Memphis (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for noon Friday through 6pm Sunday. A winter storm is expected to hit the mid-south this weekend, with winter precipitation beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday morning.
The heaviest precipitation of snow, sleet, and/or ice is expected Saturday morning through early Sunday. Southwest Tennessee is expected to see more than three inches of snow/sleet accumulation, with light accumulation of ice.
According to a Winter Weather Briefing released by the NWS, the storm is expected to be “…impactful, potentially historic…” potentially causing significant disruptions to travel and infrastructure. Ice accumulation may also contribute to weather-related power outages. Cold air temperatures are expected to stick around through the middle of next week, with wind chills in the sub-zero to single-digits, leading to prolonged periods of accumulated precipitation on the ground.
In a social media post earlier this week, Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley shared, “Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare! Make sure your home is ready, pets are taken care of and vehicles are ready with emergency kits. With this type of possible storm moving in PLEASE make sure we watch out for one another and especially our elderly.”
Some things to consider when preparing for the weekend:
- Travel
- delay travel if possible, and prepare for hazardous road conditions.
- Accumulated snowfall will stick on roads and reduce visibility while falling.
- Slow down and leave plenty of space between vehicles.
- Keep headlights on, even during daylight hours, and use your flashing hazard lights if stopped.
- Pack an emergency kit for your vehicle including:
- Mobile phone and charger
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- High-calorie, non-perishable food
- Extra clothing to keep dry
- Sand or cat litter for traction
- Portable shovel
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Battery booster cables
- Water container
- Staying warm
- Close blinds or curtains to retain some heat.
- Close off rooms to conserve temperatures in occupied areas.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
- Eat and drink. Food provides energy to warm the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Be careful with heat sources, especially with an open flame or space heaters. Make sure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly.
- Follow all safety precautions accompanying use of generators – be mindful of their placement and avoid carbon monoxide exhaust entering windows or doors.
- Once your family is safe, check on your neighbors and the vulnerable to make sure they are okay.
For more information from the NWS, visit http://weather.gov/meg or email nws.memphis@noaa.gov
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