News Summary
On January 10, schools across East Tennessee and Kentucky announced closures as a Winter Storm Warning is in effect. Anticipated snowfall of 3 to 6 inches is expected. With frigid temperatures and hazardous road conditions, students are set for a cozy day inside. Meanwhile, Kentucky’s schools are utilizing non-traditional instruction to continue their education despite the weather. Local law enforcement is prepared for emergencies as conditions worsen, while the community is encouraged to prioritize safety during this severe winter weather.
East Tennessee and Kentucky Schools Closed Due to Snow and Ice
In a scene that many in Knoxville and surrounding areas know all too well, schools across East Tennessee and Kentucky are taking precautionary measures and closing their doors on Friday, January 10. With temperatures plunging and snow forecasted, students can look forward to a cozy day at home.
Winter Weather Warning in Effect
The National Weather Service has put a Winter Storm Warning in place from 10 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, anticipating snowfall of between 3 to 6 inches. In some locations, these amounts could even exceed expectations, making it a significant snow day indeed!
Major public school districts are following suit by announcing closures, making sure that everyone stays safe and sound indoors. It’s not just schools—isolation is the name of the game today! Several organizations in the area have also decided to call it a day.
Frigid Forecast Continues
This weather isn’t new for our schools; they were closed just a few days earlier on Monday, January 21, due to federal holidays and extreme cold weather that sent temperatures deep into the single digits. Parents and students alike are reminded that the cold weather brings along stitchy wind chills, expected to be at or below 0°F. The frigid conditions are anticipated to hang around until at least next Thursday morning.
Road Risks Ahead
With all the snow on the way, travel plans might need to be put on hold. Road conditions could be quite treacherous, leaving behind slick spots from the snow that fell over the weekend. Attention is especially drawn to bridges and overpasses, which are notoriously known for freezing up quicker than regular roads.
Knoxville, in particular, is preparing for an anticipated 4-6 inches of snow, which could lead to perilous travel conditions. With safety as the utmost priority, it’s always better to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Educational Adjustments in Kentucky
While East Tennessee schools are shuttered, Kentucky students have found an innovative way to keep learning through what’s being called “non-traditional instruction” (NTI). This allows for continued intellectual growth despite the closures—kudos to those students for keeping it cool despite the cold!
Emergency Operations in Place
In light of the icy conditions, local law enforcement agencies have rolled out snow plans. These provisions adjust response methods to urgencies, allowing police to prioritize serious incidents. In Knoxville, the police have activated designated snow plans that entail two officers in all-wheel drive vehicles ready for quick deployment. Meanwhile, the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office is pausing non-emergency call responses, ensuring that all attention is focused on significant matters.
For those involved in minor accidents, there’s a recommended channel to document non-injury crashes. Make sure to exchange information and take some quick photos of the scene; it’s crucial to stay organized, even in wintry weather.
Future Weather Forecast
As we look beyond Friday, a Winter Storm Watch has also been issued for several counties in Kentucky. As conditions worsen, the community is reminded to stay updated and to prioritize safety above all.
So there you have it—while school is out for the day, those cozy blankets and warm cups of cocoa await. Whether you decide to build a snowman or catch up on some reading, stay warm and safe out there! Keep an eye on the weather updates and get ready for whatever the day might bring. Remember, every cloud (or snowstorm) has a silver lining!
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: School Closures for January 21, 2025
- Knox News: East TN School Closings
- MSN: East Tennessee School Closings
- WATE: Winter Weather Road Closures
- Knox News: East TN School Closings or Delays
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
