A winter storm advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and depending on who one listens to, the Plateau could be facing rain, sleet, up to a quarter of an inch of ice and snowfalls ranging from five to 12 inches.
The NWS is predicting ice accumulation of a quarter to a half inch followed by five inches of snow.
WBIR Channel 10 TV in Knoxville and NBC are predicting six to 12 inches of snow.
Cumberland County Sheriff Butch Burgess is urging all in the county to make preparations for whatever should land on the Plateau, with emphasis being placed on alternative heating sources, food and necessary medical supplies.
Emergency services agencies are being placed on the ready and will be activated as needed throughout the winter storm.
Already the Tennessee Department of Transportation maintenance crews are placing salt brine on roadways, loading salt trucks and installing snow plows in preparation for Friday's predicted winter storm. A wintry mix of ice and snow is expected to fall across the state Friday and TDOT is reminding drivers when there's ice and snow: take it slow - slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking.
TDOT and the THP remind motorists to dial * THP from any cellular phone should they become stranded or need assistance when on the road.
All Tennesseans can monitor roadway conditions before leaving home by visiting the Tennessee 511 Web site at www.tn511.com or by dialing 511 from any land line or cellular phone.
"It's important to plan ahead and know the road conditions before you leave the house," TDOT Maintenance Director Greg Duncan said. "Before leaving home, everyone should ask, if it's snowing should I be going?"
For more information about TDOT winter weather program, including safe driving tips, visit the TDOT Web site at www.tennessee.gov/tdot and click on the Ice and Snow: Take it Slow logo.
"We are asking churches, family members and neighbors to keep a check on those around them, especially the elderly, during this time," Burgess said.
