Residents across East Tennessee are waking up to a bitterly cold morning as a strong Arctic air mass grips the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Cold Weather Advisory, warning that wind chills will plummet to as low as 2°F overnight and into Friday morning.
This kind of extreme cold isn’t typical for the area, and officials are urging people to take precautions before stepping outside. Frostbite can set in within 30 minutes if skin is exposed, and hypothermia is a serious threat for anyone without adequate protection.
How Cold Will It Get?
The freezing air is sweeping through much of East Tennessee, bringing dangerously low wind chills to several key areas:
- Knoxville, TN: Wind chills between 5°F and 8°F
- Johnson City & Kingsport, TN: Expected wind chills as low as 2°F
- Greeneville, TN & Higher Elevations: Could feel even colder, with subzero wind chills in mountain areas
Actual air temperatures will dip into the teens, but with strong northern winds gusting up to 20 mph, it will feel much colder than what the thermometer reads.
Why Is This Cold So Dangerous?
This extreme cold brings several major risks for both people and infrastructure.
- Frostbite & Hypothermia: In these conditions, exposed skin can freeze in under 30 minutes. The hands, feet, ears, and nose are the most vulnerable areas.
- Frozen & Burst Pipes: Extended periods of subfreezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to expensive water damage.
- Car Trouble: Dead batteries, frozen fuel lines, and icy roads will create major headaches for commuters Friday morning.
- Overworked Heating Systems: Heating units will struggle to keep up with the extreme cold, and some may fail, leaving homes dangerously cold overnight.
How to Stay Safe in This Brutal Cold
Before heading outside or going to bed tonight, take these precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your home.
- Dress in Layers: If you must go outside, wear multiple layers, gloves, a hat, and a scarf to cover all exposed skin.
- Stay Indoors When Possible: If you don’t have to be outside, stay inside! If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks in a warm place.
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: Let faucets drip slightly and open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
- Check on Elderly Neighbors & Pets: The elderly, children, and pets are at high risk in this kind of cold. Make sure they have proper heating and warmth.
- Be Careful with Space Heaters: If using a space heater, keep it away from anything flammable and never leave it unattended.
How Long Will This Cold Snap Last?
Temperatures will begin to improve Friday afternoon, but another round of cold air could return over the weekend. Night time lows will continue to be below freezing, meaning residents should remain on alert for more dangerously cold conditions in the days ahead.
Meteorologists are closely tracking the Arctic air mass, and updates will be provided as needed. For now, bundle up, stay inside if possible, and take this cold seriously—this kind of weather can be deadly if you’re not prepared.
