News Summary
This weekend, a winter storm blanketed Knoxville and East Tennessee with several inches of snow, leading to widespread school closures and hazardous travel conditions. Local crews deployed significant amounts of brine and salt to ensure road safety. While families enjoyed the winter landscape, authorities warned against unnecessary travel due to icy roads. Looking ahead, even colder temperatures are expected, and residents should prepare for the potential return of snow later this month.
Winter Storm Sweeps Through Knoxville: A Whirlwind of Snow and School Closures
This past weekend, Knoxville and surrounding areas of East Tennessee were blanketed by a winter storm that left several inches of snow in its wake. The storm hit from Friday through Sunday, playing havoc with travel plans and sending school districts scrambling to safeguard their students.
School Closures and Safety Preparations
Due to the hazardous conditions on the roads caused by the snow, schools across the region closed their doors on January 10 and January 13. Parents must have been pulling out their winter gear to keep the kids entertained at home as educators focused on keeping everyone safe.
Prior to the storm, local crews sprang into action, using brine to treat roads, hoping to prevent any treacherous freezing conditions. The strategic move seemed to have worked to some extent, although the freezing snow still posed its challenges.
How Much Brine and Salt Was Used?
During the storm, crews in Knoxville deployed a staggering approximately 36,400 gallons of brine. To tackle the snow, they didn’t stop there; they relied on about 1,200 tons of salt to combat the icy conditions. Thankfully, Knoxville had stockpiled around 2,000 tons of salt, providing a good buffer to handle this unexpected weather.
Beyond the city, the Tennessee Department of Transportation reported some significant numbers as well. From January 8 to January 12, they utilized 268,616 gallons of brine, 17,054 tons of salt, and 55,457 gallons of calcium chloride across East Tennessee to keep the roads as safe as possible.
Snow Accumulation and Local Impacts
As the snow piled up, forecasts estimated that some parts of East Tennessee received between 2 to 6 inches of snow during the storm, with the highest amounts reported in the Eastern Valley and foothills below the I-40 corridor. Locations like Tellico Plains and Middle Valley, experienced some freezing rain, measuring around 0.1 inches on January 10.
While families enjoyed the snowy backdrop, it posed real drawing issues. Authorities warned the public to avoid travel if possible due to icy roads—especially on backroads and in neighborhoods where conditions were more unpredictable.
What’s Next for Knoxville’s Weather?
Looking ahead, East Tennessee residents should brace themselves for even colder temperatures in the coming days. The forecast predicts that from January 19 to 25, temperatures could plummet to the teens and low 20s, making for a chilly atmosphere that is likely to linger. Some areas will even hit below freezing for consecutive days.
Interestingly, predictions hint at potential snow returning on January 18 and 19, although this time accumulation is expected to be minimal. So, for those hoping for another snow day, don’t hold your breath!
Record Status and Future Weather
For snow enthusiasts, this recent storm, while significant, did not break Knoxville’s record for the highest snowfall, which remains at an impressive 18.8 inches from February 1960. That record continues to stand tall. Meteorologists confirmed a detailed list of the snowiest storms in Knoxville since 1940, shedding light on just how rare such accumulations can be.
As the community awaits the next weather system, residents are encouraged to keep an eye on road conditions and to prioritize safety during this frosty season. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy all the winter magic, but remember to drive carefully if you must head out!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Postal Service Resumes Deliveries After Storm
Knoxville Transforms into a Winter Wonderland
East Tennessee Schools Face Extended Closures Due to Winter Weather
Snowstorm Blankets East Tennessee in Winter Wonderland
Knoxville Roads Improve After Winter Storm But Caution Needed
East Tennessee and Kentucky Schools Delay and Close on January 13
Big Power Outage Shuts Down Maryville Neighborhood Following Wreck
Knoxville Experiences Its First Snow of the Season
Snowstorm Blankets East Tennessee: Knoxville Digs Out from 6 Inches of Snow
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Knoxville Residents
Additional Resources
- Knox News: Knoxville Weather Snow Predictions
- Oak Ridger: East Tennessee Snow Totals
- WBIR: How Much Snow East Tennessee Saw
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- WATE: Knoxville Snow Reminds New Yorker of Home
- Google News: Knoxville Weather
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF 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.
