Freezing rain Thursday night affected roads in the region, and crashes, road closures, and icy roads were reported.
The Oak Ridge Police Department said the rain had turned most roads to ice.
“We advise that you do not travel as conditions may worsen throughout the night,” the ORPD said about 10 p.m. Thursday.
Friday morning, the department said police officers had responded to several weather-related crashes.
“The roads have had minor improvements,” the ORPD said. “However, there are still a large amount of troubled areas.”
If you need to travel, the department recommended driving cautiously.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation said travel was not recommended Thursday night in many spots in East Tennessee due to freezing rain and icy road conditions.
“We have already seen multiple crashes in Knox, Roane, Campbell, and Loudon counties,” TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi said. “Stay off the roads.” The latest information from TDOT is available at http://SmartWay.tn.gov.
Severe icy conditions were reported on Interstate 75 overnight with some closures on I-75 and I-40.
Three crashed tractor-trailers were reported on I-75 North at mile marker 133, approximately one mile from the Caryville exit about 40 minutes northeast of Oak Ridge.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office also recommended against driving Thursday night.
“With freezing rain, sleet, and possible snow expected this evening we ask that you please stay off the roads if possible,” the ACSO said. “The Sheriff’s Office, Highway Department, and Anderson County EMS are having a very difficult time responding to many traffic accidents throughout the county. We currently have our own vehicles stuck and out of service. This is the worst road conditions we’ve seen in several years.”
The Rocky Top Police Department urged everyone to use caution and get off the roads as soon as possible Thursday night.
“Freezing rain has hit all areas of Anderson County,” the police department said. “I-75 is a sheet of ice with multiple wrecks already. Interstate ramps inside the city limits have been closed to traffic. Tow companies are experiencing long delays and high numbers for service.”
Residents who drove Thursday night reported some main roads were clear, but some sections of interstate and side roads were covered in ice.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Many news stories on Oak Ridge Today are free, brought to you by Oak Ridge Today with help from our advertisers, contributors, and subscribers. This is a free story. Thank you to our advertisers, contributors, and subscribers. You can see what we cover here.
Do you appreciate this story or our work in general? If so, please consider a monthly subscription to Oak Ridge Today. See our Subscribe page here. Thank you for reading Oak Ridge Today!
Alternatively, you can donate to support our work here. Thank you for your support!
Copyright 2024 Oak Ridge Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Leave a Reply