Knoxville, Tennessee – A dangerous ice storm is expected to impact much of East Tennessee and nearby portions of southwest North Carolina beginning Saturday afternoon, creating hazardous travel conditions and a high risk of power outages through Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, an Ice Storm Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday until 7 p.m. Sunday for a wide portion of East Tennessee, including Knox, Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Jefferson, Hamilton, Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, Marion, and Sequatchie counties, as well as Cherokee and Clay counties in western North Carolina. Ice accumulations between one-quarter and one-half of an inch are expected.
The greatest impacts are expected across higher elevations and exposed terrain, including Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain, Mowbray Mountain, and portions of the southern Cumberland Plateau, where gusty winds could combine with ice to increase the risk of falling trees and downed power lines. Roads are expected to become slick and treacherous, especially bridges and overpasses, making travel nearly impossible at times.
In the Knoxville and Chattanooga metro areas, residents should prepare for worsening conditions Saturday evening as ice accumulates rapidly. Major travel routes including Interstate 40, Interstate 75, Interstate 24, and U.S. Highway 129 could become hazardous or impassable.
Farther west, an Ice Storm Warning is already in effect from midnight Friday night until 6 p.m. Sunday for parts of Middle Tennessee, including Lawrence, Lewis, Perry, and Wayne counties, where ice accumulations up to one inch are possible along with sleet and snow.
Officials strongly discourage all non-essential travel and urge residents to prepare for possible extended power outages. Charging electronic devices, securing alternative heat sources, and checking on vulnerable neighbors is advised. Ice Storm Warnings remain in effect through Sunday evening, and conditions may take additional time to improve after precipitation ends.
