Oak Ridge municipal offices will open at noon Friday and access to the Y-12 National Security Complex will be restricted to essential employees due to the wintry, icy weather that is forecast to begin tonight in the southern Appalachians.
A winter storm watch is in effect through Friday evening across the region, including in Anderson and Roane counties, and the National Weather Service in Morristown said significant icing is possible across the East Tennessee Valley.
In a press release Thursday, the city of Oak Ridge said it is preparing for possible disruptions to city services, including widespread and extended power outages.
Y-12 said its employees can get updated status reports through the weekend by calling an information line at (865) 241-1212 or by checking the Y‑12 website at www.y12.doe.gov and social media (Facebook and Twitter).
Oak Ridge provided some additional information in the event of an ice storm:
- Citizens are urged to remain at home and not to travel. If travel is unavoidable, please use extreme caution, not only when driving but also walking. Sidewalks, driveways, and other pathways may be icy.
- Don’t call 911 to report a power outage. To report a power outage call (865) 425- 1803.
- Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
- To report downed trees blocking public roadways, call (865) 425-1875.
- The Oak Ridge Police Department will only respond to accidents involving injury or significant road blockage. All other accidents that do not involve injury can be reported to the Police Department on Monday, Jan. 28. An officer will be dedicated to receive these reports on Monday.
- The Oak Ridge Fire Department will be prioritizing all calls, and the most critical calls will be responded to first. Do expect delays in response times.
- Tonight’s Citizen’s Police Academy will be held at the regularly scheduled time.
- The Neighborhood Watch Banquet scheduled for Friday has been canceled and will be rescheduled to a later date.
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