NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Electric crews are working to restore power to thousands of homes as temperatures dipped below zero Friday morning.
The Tennessee Valley Authority directed power companies to conduct rolling blackouts. Nashville Electric Service said this is due to the extremely frigid temperatures that are placing a strain on the TVA's power generation facilities.
Around 1 p.m., the TVA said it has suspended its request for rolling blackouts, adding that thanks to the efforts of everyone, the grid is stable.
The blackouts appeared to last between 10-30 minutes, depending on your provider. NES said its customers saw rotating, intermittent power outages for about 10 minutes every 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Earlier on Friday, NES reported that four utility poles were broken or damaged by Thursday night's freezing precipitation and high wind. The wintry conditions damaged other equipment as well. Early Friday morning, 1,600 customers were without power, but by 10 a.m., the number jumped to 24,000. NES outages are spread across the county.
View the Nashville Electric Service outage map here
Outages have been widespread in the area, with Clarksville, Westmoreland, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and areas of Montgomery and Sumner counties all reporting some homes without power. In Clarksville alone, CDE reported 5,503 customers without power as of 10:30 a.m.
If you do not have access to a generator you are advised to dress in layers and bundle in blankets to preserve your body's heat. You should also immediately report any outages to your service provider.
If you do have a generator remember to only run it in a well-ventilated area outside the home and away from all windows or doors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Additionally, try to preserve your phone battery for emergency calls.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms call 911
- exhaustion
- uncontrollable shivering
- confusion
- memory loss
- slurred speech
These are all symptoms of hypothermia and you will need immediate medical attention.
View all active school closings and delays here
Current Conditions
- Humidity: 76%
- Dew point: 65°
- Pressure: 29.93 in
- Wind speed: 8 mph
- Wind direction: SSW
- Visibility: 10.0 mi
- Sunrise: 06:08 AM
- Sunset: 07:24 PM
Prepare your vehicle before hitting the road
Driving during icy and snowy conditions is dangerous, but if you have to get out on the roads, be sure to prepare your vehicle first!
Car emergency kit necessities:
Tips for driving safely in the snow:
Don't forget the four Ps!
The National Weather Service urges everyone during dangerously cold weather to remember the four Ps: People, pets, plants and pipes!
Be sure to check on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children. Make sure outdoor pets have a warm shelter or bring them inside. Bring your plants inside or cover the ones that must remain outside. Lastly, cover any outdoor exposed pipes and drip your indoor faucets.
Is your home prepared for the cold weather?
It's important to prepare your home before cold weather moves in!
Read more: Experts recommend how to prepare your home for winter weather
Winter weather preparedness checklist:
