East Tennessee Braces For Near Zero Temperatures

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Persistent inclement weather has put a damper on to day to day business across Jefferson County. While County offices reopened on Wednesday, following closure on Monday for President’s Day and Tuesday for unpassable road conditions, many were working on with a skeletal crew. County meetings of the newly formed Building Oversight Committee, as well as the Public Records Commission, were canceled. Jefferson County Schools, also on hiatus on Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to poor road conditions. Wednesday afternoon the call was made to make the school closure extend through Friday. Continued intermittent snow, icy back roads and forecasted record low temperatures contributed to the decision.

Likewise, Carson-Newman University announced Wednesday afternoon that it, also, will be canceling classes for the remainder of the business week. Other schools across the region are following suit, most notably Knox County which historically closes less frequently than some of the more outlying locations. Many local businesses opened late and closed early, also running with abbreviated staff.

Weather forecasts are predicting a brief warm up this weekend with high temperatures reaching into the 40s. However, there is another chance for wintery precipitation on Saturday morning. Extended predictions are for a cold end to February, with daily high temperatures only making it into the mid thirties. Those looking for more pre springlike weather will have to pin their hopes on March, which in keeping with local lore, is looking to enter like a lion. Normal high temperatures for mid to late February are in the mid 50s, with lows running in the high 20s.

Source: K. Depew, News Director