Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

From Staff Reports

The City of Elizabethton and Carter County are bracing for yet another winter storm expected to hit the area later this afternoon.

“This morning we are preparing all of our trucks for this storm, filling them up and making sure the hydraulics on our trucks are functional,” said Carter County Highway Department Superintendent Roger Colbaugh. “We are also stirring all of our ice chat and salt, making sure that we are ready for this.

“We do not do any pre chemicals on the road, we wait until we actually get some snow. They are saying the snow will start around 4 p.m., so we will be working all evening after the snow hits until around 9 or 10 p.m. Then, in the morning, we will turn around and do it all again. Rest assured, we are going to be ready for this,” said Colbaugh.

There have also already been some closures associated with government offices across the state, with the state of Tennessee releasing a statement saying, “Due to expected hazardous weather and travel conditions statewide, including freezing rain, ice, and snowfall, Gov. Bill Lee has closed state offices on Thursday, Jan. 6, in all West, Middle, and East Tennessee state offices.

“State employees will utilize work from home capabilities where possible. State services offered online will remain available.”

Elizabethton City Schools has announced that Elizabethton High School and T.A. Dugger will be dismissing at 1:30 p.m. today and elementary schools at 2 p.m. in advance of snow which has been forecasted for the area.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from noon on Thursday, Jan. 6, until 7 a.m. Friday, in the Central and Northern Valley of East Tennessee. Snow is expected, with total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches with up to 4 inches possible in higher terrain. Hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

As of 11 a.m., snowfall is expected to reach the area at around 4 p.m. on Thursday and carry through the night and into the early morning hours of Friday.

Updated closing and impacts of the weather
• Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County
Policy is when city schools close we will also close. Due to late notice from schools we will stay open until 4:30 today to try and help the situation. We will not transport from any schools today.
We will serve a heavy snack instead of dinner. Please look for future texts regarding tomorrow. We apologize for any inconveniences. Please be safe.

• Youth Rally at Hampton Baptist is cancelled due to impending snow forecast.

• Health department in Washington County will be closing early at 2 pm today.

• Carter County Health Department will be closed due to inclement weather on Friday, January 7th.