By: Andrew Nolfo
Staff Writer
The treacherous winter storm that just hit the State of Tennessee, and more accurately, the entire central to mid-east to north-east parts of the US in late January, in the northeast US, had been declared a state of emergency by at least 23 states. The storm was dangerous because of many conditions, such as icy roads, major snowfall, and many more aspects.
Vol State, and many other schools around Middle Tennessee, were closed or shut down due to the weather. Vol State closed on Monday, January 26 and ended up operating remotely through Wednesday, January 28, and operating remotely on Thursday, January 29 through Friday, January 30. This is just an example of how the storm affected the community.
This was projected to be the worst winter storm in Tennessee history before the storm came. In some places, there was as much as 5 to 6 inches projected in Tennessee alone, as well as freezing rain, sleet and hail, and wind gusts of up to 15°F to 25°F below zero in Middle Tennessee at the height of the arctic blast.
In terms of how much Tennessee got, the winter storm delivered heavy snow, sleet, and significant ice. Many things have been affected in daily life, for example the roads were dangerous to drive on, and many people were without power. Power outages across Tennessee had made both traveling and staying home extremely difficult for many Tennesseans to deal with, including driving, keeping heat and electricity, staying warm, and going outside. Driving was one of the most dangerous things to do in a winter storm like this, but there are ways to make it easier for people to stay safe.
For example, people can drive slower, and watch out for black ice, a kind of ice too thin to see, that often leads to dangerous mistakes. If you do plan on driving, make sure to drive as safe as you can. Try driving slowly, as there may be power lines out. Staying in may be safer overall. Overall, this winter storm became more than just a major weather event; it became a shared experience for many Tennesseans.
What started as predictions and warnings quickly turned into real-life challenges, such as losing power, struggling to stay warm, and dealing with unsafe road conditions. Everyday tasks that are normally taken for granted, like driving to the store or attending school, suddenly become difficult or even dangerous. As communities across Tennessee continue to recover from the storm’s impacts, this event serves as a reminder of how unpredictable winter weather can be and how important it is to stay informed and prepared. For many, this storm will not be remembered just for the snow and ice it brought, but for how it disrupted daily life and brought attention to the importance of safety and readiness during severe winter weather.
The other major thing that winter storms like this one can cause that is not talked about nearly enough is the long-term health effects. Long exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to concerns such as hypothermia and frostbite, particularly during power outages when heating may be limited. This is why winter storms should be taken seriously, because going out when conditions are bad can put people at risk without them even realizing it. Because of these dangers, it is safer for people to stay home during winter storms and only travel if it is truly necessary.
Staying warm is also important, and it is very crucial to staying safe in these conditions. It’s recommended to get to a place that has heat and electricity, instead of trying to wait for it out.
As much as schoolwork is important, staying safe is the number one priority, and we here at the Vol State Pioneer Press Student Newspaper want everyone to be as safe as possible, even if that means delaying schoolwork to stay safe. That does not mean stopping schoolwork altogether, just that there may be more pressing matters at hand. All in all, it is important to stay warm, stay safe, and drive safely in winter weather, but it is also important to keep looking at forecasts of future weather, because this is not the last time Tennessee will be in a winter wonderland like this.
Photos courtesy Jeff Rae, Volunteer State Community College.
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