Rutherford County, TN – Residents are being urged to avoid non-essential travel Sunday as freezing temperatures continue to create hazardous road conditions across Rutherford County.
According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s Lt. Trey Nunley said conditions have steadily worsened throughout Sunday morning as temperatures dropped, leading to widespread ice accumulation on roads. Officials say back roads remain especially dangerous.
“Conditions continue to deteriorate,” Nunley said. “As the temperature drops, we are experiencing some freezing across the county. Stay home and stay warm.”
Sgt. Robert Horne said icy conditions persist on all back roads, increasing the risk of crashes and blocked roadways. Deputies reported several incidents involving fallen trees and downed power lines caused by ice weighing down limbs.
Sgt. Nick Coble was reportedly stopped while on patrol when a tree toppled into the roadway, nearly striking his patrol vehicle. Coble said ice accumulation has caused trees to fall and power lines to drop across multiple areas.
Deputy Chris Beach warned motorists to remain alert, noting that one tree fell directly into the roadway in front of him while he was driving. Officials cautioned that black ice is expected overnight, making travel especially dangerous tonight and into Monday morning.
As of Sunday morning, the following roads were reported closed or blocked in Rutherford County due to fallen trees:
- 3100 Weakley Road
- 1011 East Jefferson Pike
- 6500 and 6300 blocks of Burnt Knob Road
- 3800 block of Shores Road
- 3300 block of Shacklett Road
Power lines were reported down at multiple locations, including West Buckeye Bottom Road at King Tucks Road, Ragland Drive, Cooper Drive, Old Salem Road, Calgary Road, Kari Drive, Veterans Parkway, Barfield-Crescent Road, and Bradyville Pike.
Officials urge residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary and to report downed trees or power lines to local authorities.
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