No doubt you’ve seen the thousands of photos  posted of the winter wonderland on the Cumberland Plateau.  But there has been a down side – wrecks, many wrecks today on main roads, back roads and the interstate. Emergency service personnel have worked overtime today along with medical personnel. With some parts of  the county measuring up to 6 inches of snow thus far and more on the way tonight and temps falling into single digits tomorrow – the real  test will be on the VEC power grid.  Invariably, when we get snow of this magnitude that hangs on trees and the temp gets so low the limbs  begin to snap, crackle and pop there’s going to be power interruptions., Not to mention power lines and transformers being overloaded with snow.

VEC has made preparation for this storm and is ready to take on whatever the weather brings. VEC has already issued a statement asking customers  to cut back on  electricity to ease the electric load on the system.

If  things go as they have in the past there will be power outages in our future, hopefully not very widespread and not for a very long time.  But with the trees loaded up and the temp dropping to single digits by Tuesday morning, chances are good for outages.  Everything is closed Tuesday as far as government offices and schools. Many businesses are closed  as well. EMA is advising everyone to have alternate heat sources if  there is a power outage – but  not a source prone to cause a house fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. There have been at least five house fires in the past month in Roane and Cumberland Counties combined – causing two fatalities.  It  is very important to have a back power  source for any electric medical equipment. There are also warming centers in the area that we have posted. Also, make sure you run a pencil lead size stream of water from your  faucets if they’re prone to freeze in your house. Don’t drive anywhere. Make sure your devices are charged up and check on your neighbors.  If your car is not confined in an enclosed garage, make sure it’s gassed up in case you have to seek warmth in it.  Finally, please make provisions for the outside pets to stay warm.