Snow forecast prompts Unicoi County preparations

Unicoi County prepares for snow this weekend, as officials warn drivers to take precautions and monitor road conditions. Unicoi County Roads Superintendent Terry Haynes said his department is ready to respond if winter weather affects road conditions. "Right now, we're good to go," Haynes said. "We've got plenty of salt, and we just urge people to take their time and stay way back when driving." "We have our trucks checked out and loaded at this time," Haynes added, noting the amount of salt needed during a winter event depends largely on weather conditions. "It can run anywhere from 100 tons to 1,000 or 1,200 tons," Haynes said. "The last snow we had used about 100 tons. We've restocked it since, so our salt is full. We've got about 2,000 tons now." He noted that roads are not pre-treated due to budgetary constraints and that drivers should exercise caution at night and in the early morning before road crews get to work. "We don't do pre-treatment because we're only allotted so much money for salt allocation," he said. "We have to be careful how we do it. If we pretreat it, we would be out of salt in no time." Haynes said road crews are on standby whenever winter weather is possible. "We're on call," Haynes said. "Usually the Sheriff's department, when it snows on the County roads, will give me a call at night and then I'll come out and start calling out the department." Haynes also shared safety tips for drivers traveling during winter conditions. "Keep provisions in your vehicles, keep blankets, water, some kind of snacks — and if they've got children — add a little more provisions for them because you never know what's going to happen." He said it was important for drivers to share their location with someone before venturing out in the snow. "If you're going to get out and be away from your home, tell your spouse or some of your family or friends where you're going, just in case something happens or you get stranded," he said. "The Sheriff's department or EMS workers will be able to find you and get you." Maj. Gabe Williams with the Unicoi County Sheriff's Department encouraged motorists to use extreme caution and reduce speeds when driving in icy conditions. He said if a vehicle begins to slide on ice, drivers should steer into the slide rather than sharply turning the wheel in the opposite direction. Williams noted that travel advisories will be issued if conditions worsen and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. "Officers will travel the roads in the county in the early morning to determine which advisories to put out," Williams said. Winter weather is also affecting local schools, where officials are weighing snow day use and possible make-up options. Unicoi County Director of Schools John English said the school system has five snow days remaining, noting the update during the January Board of Education meeting last Thursday. Since that meeting, schools have operated on two-hour delays most mornings. "We're always going to err on the side of caution and safety," English said during the meeting. "If it gets to a point where we have to make up days, we'll figure it out. I do not feel optimistic that we will get through March with days in our pocket, so we're exploring virtual options and make up options." Officials and local nonprofits are also reminding residents about shelter options and resources during cold weather events. The Unicoi County Prevention Coalition alongside other community groups announced a warming station will be available at the Erwin National Guard Armory, 615 S. Main Ave., Erwin. The facility will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23 to 27. Those who need a ride to and from the warming shelter may call Jimmy Erwin, Emergency Management Agency director, at (423) 388-0099. Organizers note that volunteers are needed. Those interested can contact Melanie Montgomery at (423) 302-0718. Ben Booher with Unicoi County Care and Share, a nonprofit focused on community well-being, said one of the next closest cold-weather shelter is the Salvation Army White Flag Shelter in Johnson City. The Salvation Army's White Flag Shelter provides emergency overnight shelter when temperatures drop to 35 or below. It is located at the Center of Hope at 200 Ashe St. Check-in is typically from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a capacity for about 25 guests plus overflow to partner locations. The shelter announces its opening by placing a white flag outside the door by noon. For more information and to check for openings at the Salvation Army's White Flag Shelter, call (423) 926-8901.