Main roads clear, but few snowy spots remain on side streets

 

Main roads in Oak Ridge were mostly clear after a snowstorm on Friday night and Saturday morning, but a few snowy spots remained on side streets.

Main streets such as Oak Ridge Turnpike and Illinois Avenue appeared to be completely clear. Heavily traveled secondary roads such as Tennessee Avenue, New York Avenue, Georgia Avenue, Rutgers Avenue, and Outer Drive appeared to be mostly or completely clear. The few snow-covered spots appeared to be mostly on side streets that aren’t as heavily traveled, such as Orange Lane and Orchard Lane in north Oak Ridge.

Much of the snow that fell Friday night and Saturday morning appeared to have melted, including on the hillside next to Blankenship Field that is often used for sledding after snow falls.

The National Weather Service isn’t forecasting any more snow until Tuesday, when there is a slight chance of rain and showers.

But the forecast calls for cold temperatures the next few days, with a low of 8 degrees Fahrenheit Saturday night and 14 on Sunday night.

The heaviest snowfall Friday night and Saturday morning occurred along the Tennessee and North Carolina mountains and foothills, where five to eight inches of snow fell, the National Weather Service said. One to four inches was common elsewhere across the valley.

Forecasters are warning of widespread black ice tonight (Saturday, January 7).

“Temperatures will remain well below freezing overnight, changing any water or slush to ice after sunset,” the Weather Service said.

The black ice is expected to form on untreated roads and could last into Sunday morning.

“Motorists should use extreme caution while driving and allow for additional time to safely reach their destinations,” the National Weather Service said.

See the National Weather Service website here.

See the seven-day forecast for Oak Ridge here.