NASHVILLE – Winter weather is here and the Tennessee Department of Transportation is ready to “beet” ice and snow this winter season using some new ice and snow removal tools, including beet juice.  This winter TDOT will use beet juice mixed with salt and salt brine at various locations across the state to improve the ability to remove snow and ice from state roads and interstates.  Beet juice is a by-product of the beet after the sugar has been extracted.  The department is also evaluating the effectiveness of larger snow plows and some new tools for applying salt and de-icing agents.

“Although we don’t typically see severe winters in the southeast, even small amounts of snow or ice can cripple our transportation system and create dangerous conditions for motorists,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “This year, TDOT is testing a number of new weapons that all have the potential to help clear roads of ice and snow faster while also saving valuable time, manpower, and money.”

“The beet juice compound will help the salt stick to the roadway for a longer period of time which will make the salt and salt brine more effective and will help reduce the amount of salt used by TDOT,” said TDOT Chief Engineer Paul Degges. “The beet juice should also help reduce the amount of salt that bounces off the roadway when applied by the trucks.”

In west Tennessee, TDOT will test a new 25-foot-wide tow plow that can clear and salt two interstate travel lanes at once.  The new truck will have a 14-foot snow plow on the front and will pull the 25-foot-wide tow plow behind it.  TDOT will use several 14-foot-wide front snow plows this year.  The 14-foot plows are more than four feet larger than existing plows and have the ability to clear an entire travel lane in one pass.  In the past, trucks had to make two trips in order to clear one travel lane.  In addition, six new concept trucks will be fitted with both a 14-foot front plow and an underbody plow.  The underbody plow is installed under the middle of the truck and can apply downward force that helps remove hard packed ice.  Three of the new concept trucks will also have an eight-foot-wide wing plow mounted to the side of the truck which allows drivers to clear one and a half interstate lanes in just one pass.  In addition, TDOT is testing a new speed control computer that adjusts the amount of salt applied to the roadway based on the speed of the truck and the predicted wintery precipitation.  The new computer controller should help reduce the amount of salt used by TDOT.

“Cost savings are the biggest benefit of the new equipment,” said TDOT Maintenance Director Greg Duncan.  “As budgets get tighter we are constantly looking for ways to stretch our dollar. Other transportation agencies have reported dramatic reductions in salt use with these new tools and we are hoping to see similar salt use reductions here in Tennessee.”

TDOT currently has more than 160,000 tons of salt and more than 1.1 million gallons of salt brine ready for use.  The department has budgeted more than $12 million this year for snow and ice removal operations across the state.

When snow hits Tennessee, TDOT ice and snow removal teams will first focus on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes and will specifically target areas vulnerable to freezing, like hills, curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges.

TDOT maintenance personnel stay in close contact with the National Weather Service leading up to a possible winter storm.  Once snow begins to fall they monitor roadway conditions through a number of mechanisms including the Roadway Information System (RWIS).  The department has 37 RWIS stations statewide that monitor a variety of weather related factors such as air temperatures; dew-point; wind speed/direction; precipitation types and rates; and asphalt temperatures.  The Tennessee Highway Patrol also alerts TDOT to any problem areas on roadways across the state as do TDOT Help Units in the urban areas.

All Tennesseans can monitor roadway conditions before leaving home by visiting the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or by dialing 511 from any land line or cellular phone.  TDOT is also on twitter @TN511 (www.twitter.com/TN511).

TDOT and the THP remind motorists to dial * THP from any cellular phone should they become stranded or need assistance when on the road.

Here is a look at some of TDOT’s winter maintenance statistics from a statewide perspective.

• Salt Trucks: 831
• Salt (tons): 167,789
• Salt Brine (gallons): 1,166,618
• Salt Bins: 120
• 2009-2010 available budget for winter weather needs: $12,002,115
• 2008-2009 statewide winter-weather cost summary: $10,226,229
• R.W.I.S. weather stations: 37

Winter maintenance capacities by region are as follows (approximated):

Brine (gallons) Salt (tons) Snow Plows

• Region One: 177,604             53,231                          208                  
• Region Two: 223,225             45,348                          202
• Region Three: 603,050             45,130                          243
• Region Four: 162,739             24,080                          169

*All quantities are subject to change

How does TDOT respond to winter weather in Nashville area (Region 3)?

When TDOT’S Region Three Headquarters is notified of imminent bad weather, crews from the region’s Six (6) district garages and the floating maintenance are put on alert. That includes approximately 350 people, 243 salt trucks and snow-plows and 181 salt-brine spreaders.

Salt brine is a salt and water mix that crews spray onto roadway surfaces before snow and ice begin to fall. Brine works well until the temperature reaches 20 degrees or below. TDOT’s brine solution contains 23% salt, which reduces the amount of sodium released into the environment and is more cost effective than regular salt. The solution itself costs about 6 cents a gallon. The Davidson County maintenance garage keeps approximately 90,000 gallons of this mixture stored and ready to distribute. For all of Region 3, TDOT has a total of 603,050 gallons of brine on hand.

Brine helps keep snow and ice in a slushy state until salting and plowing can take place. After brine is applied, TDOT crews begin salting and plowing. Truck drivers have specified routes they follow. The most traveled routes in urban areas are covered first. Davidson County has nearly 1,551 lane miles of interstate and state routes maintained by 39 trucks. In all of Region 3, which includes 26 counties, TDOT crews maintain about 9,058 lane miles of roadway.

TDOT has about 45,000 tons of salt available for use in Region 3. Approximately 4,900 tons are stored in bins located in Davidson County.

Region 3 has 243 snowplows available for use. Every TDOT regional operation has environmentally friendly truck-washes that filter the water used to wash salt distribution vehicles in a way that eliminates salt and oil runoff.

The Davidson County maintenance garage also maintains approximately 15,000 gallons of calcium chloride stored and ready to use. For all of Region 3, TDOT has a total of 121,429 gallons of calcium chloride on hand.

TDOT’s Region 3 snow and ice removal crews utilize calcium chloride to combat icy roads during very cold temperatures. Calcium chloride is combined with both the brine mixtures and road salt to enhance their ability to melt snow and ice during very cold temperatures of 20 degrees or lower.

Roadway Weather Information System Sensors

TDOT also utilizes 37 Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) stations around the state. RWIS stations monitor a variety of weather-related factors, including air temperatures, dew-point information, wind speed/direction, precipitation type and rate and asphalt temperatures. The RWIS alerts TDOT maintenance supervisors when freezing conditions are imminent.

TDOT also relies heavily on HELP crews in urban areas to monitor road conditions. The HELP team also dispatches emer-gency response crews to clear wrecks as quickly as possible in an effort to reduce weather-related traffic backups.

Drivers can access real-time weather and traffic conditions on Tennessee roadways by calling 511 from any land line or cellu-lar phone. People may also view traffic cameras and check traffic conditions on the roadways by visiting www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/.

For more information about TDOT winter weather preparations visit the TDOT web site at www.tennessee.gov/tdot and click on the Ice and Snow: Take it Slow logo.

TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely

As heavy rains fall on Tennessee, TDOT’s bridge inspectors await notifications from an automated program called “Bridge Watch.” Flooding can undermine the structural integrity of certain bridges in the state, so TDOT utilizes this program to alert the department of any potential problems with bridges due to heavy rains.

The most common cause of bridge failure is the undermining of a bridge structure because of scour. Scour is the erosion of a stream or river bed due to excessive stream flow. TDOT has classified 897 bridges in Tennessee as scour-critical, which means bridges could experience a catastrophic failure or become structurally unstable as a result of a destructive flood event.

TDOT’s “Bridge Watch” program monitors weather events through the National Weather Service and rates them based on the possible severity of flooding that could result from a rain event. The program then continually monitors weather mapping, weather radar, and stream gauges from the internet, and compares the information to a map of designated bridges in the state. It then predicts which bridges might be affected by potential flooding.

A bridge inspector performs an inspection of a steel girder as part of the visual inspection study.

State bridge inspectors are notified via text message, e-mail, and fax to check structures that are experiencing or could experience high water conditions. TDOT bridge inspectors visit these structures to check the bridges for any added substructure exposure (scour), continued structural stability and alignment, and streambed movement. Photos are occasionally taken of the conditions that are present at the time of the alert.

The “Bridge Watch” program is then updated to show that the bridge was inspected and the photos of the structure are attached to maintain a record of the event for future use.

Once the rains have passed, a follow up inspection is completed to ensure no permanent damage was done to the substructure. If there is evidence of bank or sediment removal from under the bridge, measurements are taken of the streambed and compared to notes taken from previous stream profiles to see how much material was lost. If any damage is found immediate action is taken to repair the areas that are damaged so that the bridge will remain safe for travelers.

During the recent heavy rains and flooding in Tennessee, bridge inspection crews in the Chattanooga, southern middle Tennessee and west Tennessee regions responded to a number of scour alerts and in one instance in west Tennessee, closed a bridge and initiated a number of repairs to ensure the bridge remained safe for traffic.

The “Bridge Watch” program is just one part of a larger overall inspection and review process that ensures the bridges in our state are safe for motorists. Tennessee is consistently recognized for having one of the best bridge inspection programs in the nation and this program is certainly one of the reasons.

About Gerald Nicely

Gerald Nicely is the Commissioner of Transportation for the State of Tennessee. He serves on the Board the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. He was a Founding Board member of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and a Charter Board member of the Nashville Housing Fund. He is an alumnus of Leadership Nashville.  Nicely has received numerous awards for public service including: Tennessee Association of Public Administration’s Public Administrator of the Year in 2006, the Nashville Kiwanis Club’s co-Nashvillian of the year in 2001 (his wife Donna was the co-recipient), the Nashville Chapter of the American Public Relations Society’s Apollo award in 2006 and the Nashville Engineering Center’s Distinguished Builder Award.

The NWS offers these tips for dealing with high water. Avoid flooded areas along the river…and move personal belongings to higher ground. Never drive through flooded roads as the depth of water may be too great to pass…even in trucks or sport utility vehicles. If you come across a flooded road…turn around don`t drown.

The dark purple of a pansy against the snow.

What a difference a day makes! On Tuesday the region basked in 80 degrees of summer-like warmth and sunshine. Barbecue grills were dragged out and fired up, just as area residents hustled to find “cool” clothing to don for this brief taste of seasons yet to come.

Adhering to the adages of the weatherwise, if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.

So it is that northern Middle Tennessee saw temperature drop by 50 degrees, viewed a sky of thickening  clouds, and watched in awe as winter took what may be its last punch of the 2008-09 season.

Snow. Sleet. Freezing rain. Salt brine and sanding trucks, even a snow plow on Fort Campbell Boulevard.  The snow line moved south over the course of the day, arriving in lower Clarksville in mid-afternoon, some time after north Clarksville was already eyeing light accumulation.

In New England, this kind of snowfall is “sugar snow,” a late season wet snowfall that comes even as the springtime rush of sap is surging through the sugar maples, sap that is gathered in buckets, pouring into wood-fired arches to boil — 40 gallons of sap makes a gallon of syrup in a 24/7 marathon that only works in late winter on the cusp of spring, when days are warm and nights are cold. Light golden Grade A syrup is considered the finest, with the dark amber B (or less) syrup as the “end of season fare (I actually like the darker richer taste of the Grade B). Today’s snow was a light coating of “sugar snow.”

I miss New England, and this snowfall was a gift of sorts. Being out in it was, for me, a treat.

Snow-covered bridge at Billy Dunlop Park

The National Weather Service gave the region ample notice. Though it was a bit later getting her, once it started, the winter storm  revved up quickly, piling over an inch of snow (of the wet snowman-making kind) across downtown, somewhat more  toward the Kentucky border.

A spider web on the bridge at Billy Dunlop Park

Having already transitioned my closet from winter-ready to summer-anticipation, I rummaged hastily  for something “warmer” to wear, something to layer as I prepared for a photographic circuit of Clarksville.

Even as the storm was shifting between snow, sleet and freezing rain, and winding down from the west, Clarksville Online captured images of a wonderland that will be gone with tomorrow’s predicted 45 degree high.

On the cusp between winter and tornado season,

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According to the National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Statement for the region, including Clarksville.

The NWS said the front will pass through Middle Tennessee  late tonight. The first round of thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of the front, and some of those storms “are expected to become severe, especially in areas west of the Cumberland Plateau.”  Hail and strong wind are the biggest threats. The daytime high Wednesday is expected to hit the low 60s, but will drop back to much colder air later in the week, with snow showers and lows in 20s by Friday.

As the front passes through the region, additional storms will form along its boundary; some of those storms could reach severe levels.

Weather spotter and emergency manager activation may be required.

Street Department crew works to clear debris from College Street

In downtown Clarksville, Street Department crews in wet weather gear worked to clear a fallen tree from College Street even as winds continued to howl and rip roofing shingles off the “Biscuit Company” building. Throughout the downtown area smaller branches were riding the winds, and traffic lights and street signs were battered and bent. In some areas, roofing shingles were fluttering like flags and being ripped from rooftops. Several globes on some of the city’s ornate street lamps off College Street were shattered. A stockade fence was partially blown down.  At the Goble Law Firm,  awnings on both sides of the building were shredded.

"What's left of a neighbor's carport"

Residents at Vanleer and Ford Streets heard a deep, rumbling roar of wind and a solid thump, followed by a second road and thump: a quick check revealed a neighbor’s carport upended by wind and deposited over power lines, a fence and clotheslines.  Police, power crews and the fire department responded to that call, along with many others over the course of the afternoon.

“I was on the phone, and I heard a roar and crash. I told my caller “I think the roof is coming apart.” I was partly right — it was the neighbor’s carport roof landing in my yard.”

Several lampposts are missing globes after the storm

According to the National Weather Service In Nashville, a long thin line of storms which stretched from Indiana to the Gulf states, a narrow band with a big punch. The NWS issued a high wind warning as forecast with the expectation of sustained winds of up to 35 miles per hour and gusts to 57 mph. In fact, wind gusts of as much as 72 mph were officially  reported across the north Middle Tennessee area. Just before 11 a.m., the sirens at Fort Campbell and across the city rang out with a severe thunderstorm warning. Within 20 minutes, torrential rain swept across the city, departing as quickly as they arrived but leaving a swath of damage behind. As predicted, an afternoon of high winds followed. To the north and east of Montgomery County, tornado watches were in place during the afternoon.

One police officer reported a traffic light on Madison Street blown from its mooring. A downed tree lib effectively barricaded a driveway at 423 Madison Street. At Madison and the 41A bypass, traffic lights were damaged and power was out at the K-Mart/Food Lion Plaza and at several neighboring businesses at the height of rush hour. Three police officers pulled traffic duty to keep the flow of cars moving through that area at peak time.

Power crews continue to work at restoring power t0 homes and businesses.

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Heavy rains have caused the Red River to rise even though the rain has ended. River readings exceed flood stage.

Residents of the affected areas along the river are advised to seek higher ground and move personal belongings to safe locations.

The NWS urges motorists not to drive through flooded roads as the depth of the water may be too great to pass safely, and roads beneath the water may be damaged. “Turn around, don’t drown” is the byword of the day.

Stay tuned to your NOAA weather radio for further alerts and information on the latest stages and forecasts, or log onto the NOAA website .

Flooding is expected to continue for this area through Thursday morning. At 3 p.m. Wednesday, the stage was 32.2 feet. Minor flooding has already occured and will continue to occur. The river is expected to rise to 33.5 feet by tonight, abd will fall below flood stage after midnight on Thursday.

At 30 feet, flood waters will inundate bottom land and low-lying areas along Port Royal Road near Port Royal State Park.

National Weather Service: Severe winter weather conditions through noon …significant icing in some areas, especially near the Kentucky border…poor road conditions… travel discouraged … falling trees limbs and power lines… some power outages are occurring.

School Closings (Wednesday, January 28) : Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools; St Mary’s/Clarksville; Clarksville Christian; Clarksville Academy; Austin Peay State University. All CMCSS school activities are cancelled for Wednesday, January 28, 2009. This includes games, practices, weightlifting, and open facilities.

UPDATE: Snow is falling in Clarksville, with 1-2 inches expected before the storm winds down around noon. Ice accumulations in some parts of the city have triggered power outages. Many side roads are snow covered and driving is difficult.

Accumulating ice is expected to take down a number of trees and branches

UPDATE: By 3:30 p.m., in addition to an Ice Storm Warning, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory. Rain, heavy at times, is expected to continue through the evening, gradually turning to sleet, freezing rain  and snow overnight as temperatures drop to the mid- to upper 20s. The Winter Weather Advisory begins at 12 p.m. and runs through noon on Wednesday. Snow accumulation up to two inches, with localized higher amounts,  is possible. This winter weather will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery road conditions and limited visibility. Current temperature is 32 degrees. Total additional ice accumulations tonight will range from 1/2 to one inch.

UPDATE: At 10 a.m., numerous power outages have been reported across Montgomery County with heavy icing on trees and power lines. While main roads may be easily traveled, areas closer to the Kentucky border do have road icing. Bridges across the area are quicker to freeze. Current temperature is 32 degrees. While the temperature may climb above freezing for a time this afternoon, the second half of the storm will bring additional icing tonight and the potential for flooding overnight.

UPDATE: At 5 a.m. the temperature was 31 degrees, according to the Weather Page on Discover Clarksville. Bridges and overpasses are definitely freezing over.  Some trees are starting to fall, according to reports from both CEMC and the Clarksville Street Department scanner traffic. Salt trucks from both the City and County are hard at work with several tons of salt  laid down on area roads before 4 a.m. City and County Fire Department units are responding to power lines on fire.  Several power outages have also been reported. (Bill Larson update)

UPDATE: At 2 a.m. the temperature was 31° F, which was  prime freezing rain weather. Ice was building up on vegetation, power lines, fences, and other metallic structures. The Clarksville Street Department via scanner traffic is reporting  ice  build-up on bridges and overpasses. Exercise due caution if out driving. (Bill Larson update)

Downtown Clarksville on ice

At 11 p.m., freezing rain had moved into the greater Clarksville area, right on schedule as predicted by the National Weather Service, which issued ice storm and hazardous weather warnings earlier in today.

The storm will hit in two rounds. The first round of dangerous weather is expected to continue through noon on Tuesday, mitigate slightly, and then bring a second round of freezing rain, sleet and snow through Wednesday morning.

A strong and extensive storm system is moving northeast from Texas,  and with surfaces at or below freezing, the rain that is falling is freezing on contact. Ice may accumulate from 1/4 to 1/2 inch during by noon Tuesday, with up to an inch near the Kentucky border; an additional 1/2 to one inch of ice will occur again Tuesday night into Wednesday.

This is a dangerous storm, the NWS stated in its warning. This storm has the potential to down tree limbs, power lines and makes any travel extremely hazardous. The NWS urges residents in the affected areas to be prepared for power outages and disruptions to business and travel. The first school cancellations have already begun, though Clarksville schools and APSU have yet to cancel classes.

There is a chance for light snowfall throughout the remainder of the week as temperatures will remain cold.

Photos by Bill Larson.

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The forecast calls for rain to develop this evening, turning to freezing rain around midnight with a low temperature of 30. The freezing rain is expected to change back to all rain Tuesday afternoon. high on Tuesday reach 37. Rain and sleet will continue into Tuesday night, with a chance of rain and snow Wednesday morning. A developing storm system near Texas will  move northeast toward the mid-state region tonight. A strong high pressure center north of Tennessee will keep temperatures at or below freezing, causing freezing rain to occur. Heaviest ice accumulation are expected near the Kentucky/Tennessee line.

“An Ice Storm warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or already occurring. Significant amounts of ice accumulations will make travel dangerous or impossible. Travel is strongly discouraged. Commerce may be impacted” ~~ National Weather Service

Keep an extra flashlight handy at home, and pack emergency supplies in your car (flashlight, food, water, blanket) in your vehicle in case of an emergency.  Ice and winds will likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches  that add to the danger.

Spotters and local emergency management officials are encouraged to report any ice accumulations to the weather service in Nashville.

Exceptionally cold air from the Arctic Circle is sweeping south, bringing with it “shockingly cold” temperatures, according to the National Weather Service hazardous weather warning issued today.

The NWS predicts that by Thursday, the daytime high temperature will remain in the twenties, with northwest winds  of 10-20 mph: that translates to a wind chill temperature a high temperature hovering around zero. By Thursday night, the low will range from -0- to -5- degrees with a wind chill coming in at minus 10 degrees. 

NWS forecasts suggest that the greater Clarksville area will sustain below freezing temperatures from Wednesday night through Saturday, when temperatures pushing into the low 30s will feel like a heat wave.

Tennesseans, who will feel the brunt of cold normally reserved for more northerly states, “should take precautions … against very cold wind chill temperatures. Limiting outdoor activities and dressing warnly will be the rule. Keep pets indoors as much as possible and check on elfderly neighbors to make sure they have adequate heat.”

Currently, temps are hovering at the freezing mark in middle Tennessee, though a moderate wind has the “feels like” temp ranging from 17-28 degrees. It’s downhill from here.

As the front sweeps through, the Clarksville area has “a chance” of snow showers on Wednesday.

Some tips on staying warm if you have to be outdoors:

• Wear a hat; body heat dissipates rapidly through the head
• Dress in layers and include aa base layer. A “base layer” is long johns, union suit, long underwear, or whatever can provide a warm, light base to your winter gear. Merino wool products are recognised as one of the best base layers available. Leggings are also a good compromise if you don’t have longjohns.
• Wear warm winter socks; they are important in keeping warm dry feet. Wool is best, although good synthetic “fleece” socks are often quite good. You can layer socks, but be careful that your feet are comfortable and the circulation isn’t shut down.
• Buy or find a pair of insulated boots. Ideally, the lining should be wool or synthetic–not cotton. Linings can be purchased seperately. You can purchase boots already with the lining, or use boots two sizes larger than usual, and use a lining. Thicker soled boots also put more insulation between your feet and the pavement.
• Wear gloves or mittens. Fingers and hands are very vulnerable to the cold, so keep them covered. Very thin gloves (like “magic gloves”) are better than nothing, but comfortable, warm gloves are important.
• Keep dry. Being wet will cause chill to set in more quickly than if you’re dry. Have waterproof or at least water resistant outer layers.
• When dressing, keep in mind whether you will be exposed to moisture (sleet, wet snow, rain) and/or wind. Both moisture and wind will make you colder faster than if the weather is dry and calm.
• You should be warm–not hot–and dry at all times.
• Don’t over-dress. Being sweaty and clammy is dangerous.
• Avoid cotton for outdoor activity. Among outdoorsmen it’s known as “the death fabric” because it does not insulate well, and when wet, causes a rapid loss of body heat. Choose wool, performance fabrics, and silk instead.
• Down is an excellent insulator in dry conditions, but virtually useless if it gets wet.
• Dress for function over fashion. Of course, you don’t have to dress unfashionably in the cold. But in truely bitterly cold weather, dress to keep warm regardless of how you look. You might look like a geek, but you’ll be a warm geek!
• In an emergency, you can further insulate your jacket, shirt, or the like by stuffing newspaper, dry leaves, or the like in your clothes.
• Remove pierced jewelry from ears and other exposed places; the metal in the earrings conducts cold and can contribute to frostbite or frozen ear lobes.

According to the National Weather Service, which issued a special weather statement this morning,  a cold arctic air mass is about to sweep into the mid-state region bringing with it the coldest temperatures in six years by Monday morning. That statement includes a forecast for dangerous wind chill levels. While northern folks are used to such frigid weather and ready for it, Tennesseans are going to have bundle up in a way that they are not used to.

A predicted northwest wind gusting to near 30 mph this afternoon  and temperatures will be hard-pressed to hit the 30 degree mark. Wind child readings (the “feels like” temperature) will dip into the teens, falling into single digits across much of the region.  Wind chill readings could hit -5 — yes, five below zero. A wind chill advisory could be issued later today.

That means extra protection is needed to stay healthy, especially if you have to be outdoors.  When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.

Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

Pay attention your neighbors; the elderly, who often live alone, are particularly subject to hypothermia. Pay attention to your pets too; bring them inside or ensure that they have adequate shelter and that the doghouse door is facing away from the wind.

Victims of hypothermia are often (1) elderly people with inadequate food, clothing, or heating; (2) babies sleeping in cold bedrooms; (3) people who remain outdoors for long periods—the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.; and (4) people who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately.

If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:

• Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.
• If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it.
• Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.

A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance immediately. Even if the victim appears dead, CPR should be provided. CPR should continue while the victim is being warmed, until the victim responds or medical aid becomes available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.

If you must be outdoors for any period of time, dress warmly and in layers. Use a parka or windproof jackets — they are called “windbreakers” because that’s these jackets do).  wear gloves or mittens, and a hat (we lose much of our body heat through our heads. Wear warm socks and boots with thick soles that put a layer of insulation between your feet and the ground.

Single digit cold has not been recorded in Nashville since January,  2003.

Some information for this article  obtained from the National Weather Service and the CDC (Center for Disease Control).

After Sunday’s balmy, breezy 50s, literally the calm before the storm, the NWS has issued both an ice storm and  hazardous weather warnings for the area as a cold front is poised to sweep through the mid state toda, plummeting temperatures and setting the stage for today’s drizzle and rain to freeze on contact with trees, roads and bridges, creating dangerous travel conditions.

“By late tonight, ice accumulations may reach 1/4 to 1/2 inch…the freezing rain is expect to last through Tuesday morning.” — National Weather Service

NWS weather spotters and emergency management officials are encouraged to report ice accumalations to the weather service in Nashville.

You can view the radar map of this storm on Intellicast.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement calling for “snow showers” and the possibility of a slick dusting of snow overnight tonight and into Monday. The statement reads in part:

“Colder temperatures will change lingering rain showers to snow showers tonight. Snow showers will continue on Monday with temperatures remaining in the 30s. Light accumulations possible over Middle Tennessee. Tonight’s low will hover at the freezing mark of 32, with a west wind at 15-20 mph.”

Snow showers are “likely” on Monday with winds gusting to 25 mph and the daytime high hovering in the mid-30s.

Weather service forecasters noted that there has not been “measurable snow” in November since 1996, and the average date of the first half inch of snow in this area is January 3.

It’s a thought that is holding true in middle Tennessee, which saw a mix of bone-chilling cold, snow, icy and icy rain — and a snow day for school age children — just last week. With those winter storms still fresh in our minds, we will be shedding our winter gear today as temperatures climb into the 70s by midday, and a summery dewpoint of 60+ is forecast. Tornadoes may on the agenda as well. Supercells for Super Tuesday.

As voters mass to the polls to cast votes in the state’s presidential primary, one of 24 primaries held nationwide today, clouds will be massing to the west, ready to roll through faster than bus on the campaign trail.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for an area including western and middle Tennessee through Tuesday night that calls for high winds, wind shear, and a fast moving cold front that “will be favorable for supercell tornadoes to form during the evening.” That cold front is expected to hit the Mississippi River by midnight, will push potentially severe storms well ahead of the actual front. Which means that late day voters should keep an eye on the sky. An an ear tuned to possible tornado sirens.

As the front rolls through during the overnight hours, the potential for thunderstorms, hail and damaging winds will continue, reaching the Cumberland Plateau by daybreak.

The NWS urges people to be aware of the potential for storms throughout the day, but especially by evening and through the overnight hours.

If you have not reviewed your storm plans, this early jump into tornado season is just the time to do it.

According to the American Red Cross, your emergency kit should have the following items: flashlight w/extra batteries, battery powered radio, non-perishable food for up to three days (including canned juices, bottled water and high energy snacks) extra medication in water proof container or bag basic first aid supplies or first aid kit, a non-electric can opener, emergency space blanket, personal hygiene items, trash bags (which can be used for sanitation or even as disposable rain gear), a change of clothing and footwear with closed toes, paper cups and plates, and other individualized needs [I have a folding cane in my kit).

Though I am more accustomed to preparing for power outages in blizzard conditions, with emphasis on wood for the woodburning stove, thawing frozen water pipes, and staying warm in general, I have adapted to these southern storms. I always prepare for such potential storm scenarios by wearing closed toe footwear -- sneakers, boots -- which will protect my feet if I need to wade through debris or water, as I did a few years ago when a friend's neighborhood was flooded by feet of post hurricane deluge. Wading through knee deep water in the dark and the rain required protective footwear.]

Families should also create and practice a disaster plan that includes pre-determining a place for all family members to gather if necessary. Families should designate a place outside the home but in the neighborhood, and also select a place or contact point outside their area in the event of wide scale disaster or widespread storm damage. Teach children emergency contact numbers, since not everyone may be at home if and when disaster strikes.

Disaster training and information, and emergencies first aid kits and other supplies are available through your local Red Cross Chapter.