Tennessee Department of Health officials reported Wednesday that four people in the state died due to this week’s inclement weather.
As of Wednesday, Tennessee officials had recorded two fatalities this week in Shelby County, one in Maury County, and another in Williamson County, according to TDH officials, in an email.
This, as officials from other state and county agencies announced they would close additional facilities for Thursday.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency officials announced that this week’s inclement weather patterns had not yet abated and more was still to come.
“A second round of winter weather and accumulating winter precipitation is forecast for today and Thursday,” TEMA officials said in an emailed press release Wednesday night.
“The highest snow accumulations are expected in West and Middle Tennessee with some areas across the state experiencing sleet and freezing rain.”
As of Wednesday night, TEMA reported that new snow accumulation of less than a half inch was possible.
“Snow showers and freezing rain before 3 a.m., then freezing drizzle likely, possibly mixed with snow showers. Low around 28,” TEMA said.
“North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.”
Metro Nashville officials said in a press release Wednesday that all non-essential Metro Nashville-Davidson County facilities would remain closed Thursday.
“Metro Nashville Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, February 18, due to continued hazardous road conditions. Before- and after-care programs will be closed. All after-school activities are canceled as well, including sports practices, games, performances, parent meetings, etc.,” according to the press release.
“District offices will be closed physically but remain open virtually, and 12-month employees will report to work remotely unless their positions require them to report in person. On Friday, February 19, MNPS will be open all virtually. This means attendance will be taken and all students, whether they would normally report to school in person or virtually, should log in and prepare for a full day of learning remotely.”
Any additional closures after Thursday would result in extending the school year, the press release went on to say.
“As such, the district will be relying on virtual school days for any inclement weather events for the remainder of the school year,” Metro Nashville officials said.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
