Knoxville, Tennessee – The Tennessee Valley enters the heart of winter Sunday as the Winter Solstice arrives, marking the shortest day of the year and the beginning of a colder, darker stretch that often brings increased risks for homes, vehicles, and travel across Tennessee, northern Alabama, southern Kentucky, and north Georgia.
With extended overnight darkness and fluctuating temperatures, risks to pipes, roadways, and daily commutes rise across the region. While daytime highs may climb above freezing, temperatures frequently drop sharply after sunset, creating freeze-thaw conditions that can stress plumbing systems and lead to slick or icy roads during early morning and evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures across the Tennessee Valley are expected to hover near the freezing mark overnight through the weekend and into early next week. This pattern increases the likelihood of frozen or burst pipes, particularly in older homes, mobile homes, garages, crawl spaces, and properties with exposed plumbing.
State and local officials urge residents to insulate exposed pipes, keep indoor thermostats set no lower than 55 degrees, and allow faucets to drip slightly during the coldest nights. Cabinets under sinks along exterior walls should be left open to help warm air circulate. Open flames should never be used to thaw frozen pipes; officials recommend space heaters or hair dryers as safer alternatives when used carefully and never left unattended.
Drivers preparing for late December and early January travel are encouraged to winterize vehicles now. Officials advise checking battery strength, tire tread, antifreeze levels, and windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures. Emergency kits should include blankets, food, water, flashlights, and phone chargers, especially for those traveling through rural areas or along higher-elevation routes in eastern Tennessee and north Georgia.
Cold weather remains one of the Tennessee Valley’s most persistent winter hazards through January, particularly when rain transitions to freezing temperatures overnight. Officials note that additional weather advisories and travel alerts may be issued as New Year’s travel increases and winter systems move through the region.
