Local winter storm precipitation totals vary across the county

CLAY COUNTY-After being without power for multiple days in frigid temperatures due to Winter Storm Fern, Tri-County Electric CEO Glenn Hale announced last Friday electrical service had been “restored to most locations” in Clay County.

“I can assure you we are nearing the end of this nightmarish event and will soon have power restored to all locations,” Hale, who offered daily video updates throughout the week on the cooperative’s Facebook page, also said the same day.

Hale said when the ice storm did its initial damage, Tri-County had approximately 35,000 or 60% of the meters on their system experiencing power outages.

“Many of these outages were for multiple days,” Hale said.  “Couple the outages with the extremely cold temperatures and this has been a really hard week for many of our members.”

Local linemen and mutual aid crews worked tirelessly in harsh conditions to restore power in the region and Hale explained the community rallied behind them.

“I am heartened by the outpouring of support and good deeds that we have been offered throughout our communities,” Hale said.  “We have had restaurants, churches, and individuals that have provided food and resources to all that are working to restore essential services.

“Thank you for your patience.  Thank you for your kindness.  We have received great support from our communities.  I cannot thank you enough for everything that has been done.  It is much appreciated.”

As of Sunday, Tri-County reported they had less than 60 meters without power and also announced they were offering members a billing reprieve.

“We know the past week has been stressful and trying for so many of our members,” a Facebook post said.  “Everyone needs time to get back to normal.  

“Tri-County Electric will not be disconnecting traditional pay members for nonpayment or PrePay members who do not have money on their account this week.  Thank you again for your patience, understanding, and support.  We appreciate all of you!”

Declaration

is requested

Last Wednesday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee requested President Donald J. Trump grant an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Clay County and 22 other Tennessee counties following significant impacts from Winter Storm Fern.

“Winter Storm Fern has created significant damage in communities across Tennessee, and state and local officials, first responders, and volunteers continue to provide critical support,” Lee said.  “I’m grateful to President Trump for granting federal resources to support Tennesseans, and am hopeful our Major Disaster Declaration will be approved quickly.”

The request seeks both Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance and Individual Assistance to support response and recovery efforts across the state.

According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Declaration Funds for state and local governments to take immediate steps to protect the community have been received, but not FEMA funds for individuals.

“Right now, there are no FEMA funds available for individuals,” a post on the TEMA Facebook page said.  “While Tennessee does not yet have a declaration to provide assistance to individuals and households, we are working with our communities to gather the data necessary to validate our request.

“This is why we are asking for residents whose homes have been impacted by Winter Storm Fern to report their damages.”

Damages can be reported online via a link posted at Facebook.com/TennesseeEMA.

Local precip.

totals vary

A total of 4.8” of snow was recorded in Celina last week by local weather observer and HORIZON contributor Kevin Donaldson during the winter storm, and a similar amount of 4.9” was registered in Hermitage Springs at another local Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) site.

The amount of rain varied between the two sites, as Donaldson recorded 1.21” of rain or melted precipitation, while the Hermitage Springs location documented 2.65” of rain or melted precipitation.

A portion of these totals led to the significant icing event, which caused power outages throughout the region.

The ice, paired with the snowfall, also led to hazardous road conditions, which closed schools, government offices, and businesses throughout the week.  Clay County Schools also remained closed Monday.

For more about local weather, follow Donaldson on Facebook.