Chattanooga could get hit with some winter weather this weekend. Right now, forecasts are predicting a mix of snow, freezing rain, sleet, and ice starting as soon as Friday night. Keep a close eye on local forecasts for updates as we get closer.
Here’s how the city is preparing and how you can, too.
Road safety
- Chattanooga Public Works has ~5,000 tons of salt and plans to brine main roads as early as Friday.
- TDOT is ready to clear and treat interstates and state routes, with 231,000 tons of salt and 1.3 million gallons of brine on hand.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a flashlight, jumper cables, a blanket, food, and water.
At home
- EPB has called in 86 additional crews, and they’ll be staged across Chattanooga so they can respond to power outages as quickly as possible.
- You can grab snow shovels, salt, kitty litter (for traction), and ice scrapers at one of Chattanooga’s Elder’s Ace Hardware locations.
- Learn how to shut off your water if needed.
- Protect your pipes by wrapping them or opening cabinets to let warmer air circulate. Also, let a little bit of water trickle from your faucet to help prevent pipes from bursting.
- Follow these life-saving tips from the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management about heating sources in your home.
- Stock up on nonperishable food and water in case of power outages. Think: canned tuna, crackers, and granola bars.
- Keep your phone charged so you can stay connected if the power goes out.
Warming shelters
- CHATT Foundation | 727 E 11th St. | This warming shelter will open at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 and remain open 24/7 until the winter weather is over.
- Salvation Army Chattanooga | 800 McCallie Ave. | During the day, this center provides coats, gloves, snacks, and toiletries to those in need. It then becomes an overnight emergency shelter for those without a place to stay.
- Chattanooga Rescue Mission | 1512 S Holtzclaw Ave. | This organization provides dinner and an overnight shelter for unhoused men, women, and children.
