Ice coats a car in Oak Ridge on Friday. The National Weather Service in Morristown said there could be a total of 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice in areas subjected to several hours of freezing rain.
Oak Ridge municipal offices were originally scheduled to open at noon today, but they will remain closed all day, a city official said.
City workers urged residents to avoid driving, or even walking outside, if possible. A sheet of ice has coated many homes, driveways, and sidewalks.
With government offices, schools, and many businesses closed or opening late, some roads appeared deserted. Oak Ridge Police Department Lt. Robin Smith said a few vehicles have slid off roads, but not much else has happened.
“It’s been very quiet, which is the way we like it,” Smith said. “It’s been good so far.”
Image courtesy of the National Weather Service in Morristown.
Oak Ridge Public Works Director Gary Cinder said the city spent about 12 hours Thursday treating about 100 miles of streets. Workers used two trucks to spread a brine solution, a “super salty” liquid.
“Every road we pre-treated with brine is in really good shape,” Cinder said. “It’s wet. It’s passable.”
