A wintry mix this morning will pose a travel threat

Good Sunday, everyone.

Today is a STORM ALERT WEATHER DAY. This morning, we can expect freezing rain to create slicker spots on the roads especially for our northern and northwestern communities. Sleet is also possible. Snow showers are expected north of Tennessee. Ice accumulation up to 0.10” with up to an inch of snow is expected. For our communities in central Tennessee, including Hamilton County, we can expect a light glaze which will still pose a travel risk. It is suggested to not travel this morning unless absolutely necessary. The ice should then melt once temperatures are above freezing around the afternoon. Bridges, overpasses, north of I-40, and northwest of I-81 will be at the most risk for dangerous traveling conditions. Georgia and Alabama will have little to no travel impact when it comes to ice and snow since accumulation will be little to none. Cherokee County will still be affected though.

The freezing rain will then transition to rain throughout the rest of the day, evening, and overnight. Wind gusts will pick up beginning in the late afternoon and early evening hours. Up to 50 mph gusts and 30 mph sustained winds can be expected especially overnight. The East Tennessee Mountains can expect gusts between 60-80 mph and sustained winds up to 35 mph.

The rain will then turn into snow once temperatures plummet throughout the start of Monday. Some areas may receive between a light dusting to a few tenths of an inch of snow while higher elevations may receive up to an inch.

We are expecting potential power outages, and there is a marginal risk for flooding as we head into the overnight hours this evening. Make sure to stay weather-aware today especially if you have to travel.

We will continue to keep everyone updated with the latest forecast. Thank you, and stay warm and dry.