EMA Ice Storm Report: How Did Robertson Co. Weather The Weather
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – It was a week to remember in Robertson County. Freezing rain, frigid temperatures, snow, fires, accidents, road closures, and according to TEMA, Portland reported two weather-related deaths. Now, following in behind the weather are bursting pipes and those pesky potholes. Here’s a recap of the past week with the help of the Director of the Robertson County Emergency Management Agency, Chance Homes.
“A major winter storm moved across the state on February 14th. The storm brought freezing rain, sleet, and snow throughout the region, with the greatest impacts in the west and middle Tennessee.
“The storm system, created hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and damage to roadways and water pipes due to significant ice and snow accumulations. During this time local first responders responded to stranded motorists, along with multiple motor vehicle accidents on main roads, side roads, and along the interstate.
“The Robertson county sheriff’s department responded to citizen welfare checks for the elderly and shut-ins along with normal patrol.
Robertson county schools were closed for the week of the 15th.
TDOT worked 4 days straight with staff working 16 hours on and 8 hours off around the clock trying to keep the interstate and main roads cleared throughout the county.
“A secondary system moved through Tennessee on the evening of February 17th and into February 18th bringing additional ice and snow accumulation. The National weather service in Nashville Tennessee received reports of approximately 2-6 inches of new snowfall accumulation in multiple counties across middle Tennessee including Robertson county.
“The severe winter weather moved out of the state on Thursday, February 18th except for below-freezing temperatures. During the secondary system, the county experienced a semi rollover on I 65 north at the 119-mile marker shutting the interstate down for more than two hours before it could be reopened. FULL STORY
Soon after the snow started, reports started coming in about vehicles slipping off the road. At Timberlake Dr and Roy Pitt Rd in Springfield, a vehicle left the road and rolled down an embankment before a row of trees stopped the vehicle from going into a creek. MAP Fortunately, the driver was not injured.” FULL REPORT/VIDEO
According to Smokey’s news partner WKRN News 2, two deaths were reported on the Sumner County side of Portland involving an elderly man and an elderly woman. Both involve issues with heat and power. One resident lost power and the other was found on the floor by a wood stove, according to Sumner County EMS Chief Greg Miller.
Temperatures in both homes were in the 20’s when the victims were found. In one case, a family called for a welfare check because they were worried about their elderly loved one, but couldn’t get to them due to road conditions. The man and woman died of environmental hypothermia, according to Miller.
A structure fire at the 7300 block of HWY 76 east shut down the Springfield/White House thoroughfare for about three hours. A family of five lost everything. FULL REPORT/VIDEO
County first responders saw another rollover accident on West County Farm Rd at the exit of the convenience center. (PHOTO RIGHT RCEMS) An adult female was taken to Vanderbilt in serious condition and an 11-year-old female taken to Vanderbilt Children’s in stable condition.
According to Homes, the state saw a total of 10 fatalities that were all weather-related.
According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, four of the deaths occurred in Shelby County, two in Sumner County (Portland), and one death each in Maury, Williamson, Dickson, and Overton counties. According to TEMA and the Robertson County Emergency Management Agency, there were no reported weather-related deaths in Robertson County.
Overton County Executive Ben Danner told Smokey’s news partner WKRN News 2 a 70-year-old man died while trying to get help after going days without power. While walking outside in the frigid temperature, the man died of an apparent heart attack.
On Thursday, Dickson County officials told News 2 a 76-year-old man walked onto a frozen pond to rescue two calves. The man, identified as Donald Mitchell, fell into the water and died.
A 9-year-old boy in Brentwood died in a sledding accident on Tuesday. According to News 2, the child was riding on a tube with three other children while being pulled by an ATV driven by his father. The tube then hit a mailbox.
On the lighter side, the last snowfall was perfect for building a snowman. Readers sent Smokey about 100 photos of their snow creations. Here are a few Smokey Editor’s choice photos for you below. For the full album CLICK HERE.
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