Snowstorm Blankets East Tennessee in Winter Wonderland

News Summary

A recent snowstorm left East Tennessee, including Knoxville, covered in a beautiful layer of snow, with snowfall totals varying greatly across the region. With Ten Mile, TN, reporting 5.5 inches, and Beverly, KY, at only 1.7 inches, the snow brought both enchantment and challenges. Schools closed for safety, while travel conditions became tricky due to black ice and fog. Emergency shelters reported assisting hundreds, and many businesses opted for early closures. As the storm subsides, residents are advised to stay cautious while enjoying the winter scenery.

Snowstorm Leaves East Tennessee Blanketed in Snow

Knoxville is waking up to a winter wonderland after a recent snowstorm dropped a generous amount of snow across East Tennessee and nearby Kentucky. On January 12, 2025, snowfall totals were released, revealing a big difference in accumulation across the region. All this snowy chaos left many residents feeling both enchanted and overwhelmed.

Snow Totals and Comparisons

To kick things off, let’s talk about the snowfall totals. Ten Mile, Tennessee, officially claimed the title of the snowfall champion with a whopping 5.5 inches covering the ground. Meanwhile, Beverly, Kentucky, on the other end of the spectrum, saw just 1.7 inches. Most areas in East Tennessee had anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of snow, making it a picturesque yet slippery situation for everyone.

School Closures

With safety as a priority, administrators across many East Tennessee school districts made a tough but necessary decision to close schools on January 13. The thought of sending students out into icy roads wasn’t appealing to anyone. However, some private schools still decided to remain open, so if you’re looking for those options, be sure to check directly with the school to confirm.

Travel Cautions and Conditions

For those braving the roads, it’s essential to stay alert. With black ice lurking and fog covering some areas, conditions are anything but ideal. The National Weather Service is urging everyone to take extra caution, especially since temperatures are expected to drop again, creating slick spots on roads and bridges. Roads in Knoxville are reported to be in “good” shape, but smaller streets have been left slick and slushy, making it tricky for drivers.

Traffic and Incidents

It wasn’t just the snow causing havoc. Between January 10 and January 11, Knoxville’s Police Department logged a staggering 118 traffic crashes, which serves as a clear warning to limit travel unless absolutely necessary. If you can, stay bundled up at home and enjoy the views from your window!

Emergency Shelters and Community Response

With so much snow and freezing temperatures, emergency warming shelters in Knoxville have been working overtime. On the chilly night of January 11, these shelters assisted 312 individuals, a number that exceeded previous records—proof of just how tough this winter storm has been on everyone.

Business Updates

In downtown Knoxville, many businesses closed early to ensure the safety of their staff and customers amid worsening conditions. There was a bit of a rebound on January 12 as some businesses cautiously opened their doors again. For those needing to get around, Knoxville Area Transit began operating on a Severe Snow Routes schedule, offering free rides along key corridors in the city.

Looking Ahead

As the winter storm warning lifted on January 11, a sigh of relief was heard across the city. But don’t put away those snow boots just yet! Light snow was anticipated throughout the day, keeping weather watchers on their toes. Overall, while January 2025’s snowfall is impressive, it won’t break the record set in January 2024, when snow dramatically lingered well into the month.

Final Thoughts

As East Tennessee and Kentucky dig out from this snowstorm, it’s a perfect time to enjoy the beauty of winter—rides with caution, of course! Remember to stay safe, keep an eye on the weather, and check on your neighbors as we navigate this snowy spectacle together.