Wreaths Across America Public Pickup Delayed for Winter Weather

Wreaths Across America Public Pickup Delayed for Winter Weather

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Due to impending inclement weather, Wreaths Across America announces changes to its schedule for public wreath pickup.

Wreath pickup at the Tennessee State Veterans cemeteries on Lyons View Pike and on E. Governor John Sevier Highway has been postponed to Saturday, January 18 at 10:00 a.m.

Wreath pickup, as previously scheduled, at Knoxville National cemetery on Tyson Street NW, remains in place for Saturday, January 18, also beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Crews will be out at all three Knoxville locations.

Wreaths Across America postponed the pickup to Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. (Courtesy: WVLT)
City of Knoxville Holding a Public Meeting and Open House for Sevier Avenue Streetscapes Project
City of Knoxville

City of Knoxville Holding a Public Meeting and Open House for Sevier Avenue Streetscapes Project

A major project that’s been in the works for years in Knoxville is about to get started along Sevier Avenue.

The city wants to hear from you about it, it’s the Sevier Avenue Streetscapes project which will add new sidewalks, a new railroad crossing, new street lights and traffic signals as well as the new roundabout.

The city’s holding a public meeting and an open house about the project this Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 at South Knoxville Elementary School.

Lucky 7 Every Morning with Joey and Nancy!

Lucky 7 Every Morning with Joey and Nancy!

Join Joey and Nancy every weekday day morning at 7:30 for your chance to play Lucky 7!

Tune in to win a $50 gift card to Old South Candy, $50 gift card to Breakout Knoxville, a pair of tickets to Anakeesta Knoxville, $50 to Farmacy Knoxville, and Dollywood tickets!

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Icy Road Conditions Causing Traffic Issues Especially on I-75
THP

Icy Road Conditions Causing Traffic Issues Especially on I-75

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is reporting several weather-related accidents in our area today (Sunday). There is a winter weather advisory in effect for most of East Tennessee until 7 p.m. tonight (Sunday).

THP has responded to numerous accidents this morning (Sunday) in Campbell County on Interstate 75 both north and southbound due to icy road conditions in the area.

Troopers have responded to accidents between mile markers 138 to 142. No word on injuries.

THP reminding drivers to use caution and to stay off the roads if possible.

THP says US 441 in Sevier County is mostly rain at this time (12:23 p.m. Sunday). Please exercise caution as conditions can change at any time.

Knox County Engineering Department Preparing for Possible Wintry Mix
Pexels

Knox County Engineering Department Preparing for Possible Wintry Mix

Knox County is preparing for what could be East Tennessee’s first taste of real winter.

A wintry rain and possibly ice mix is being forecast over the next week or so, which has prompted the county to begin getting ready.

Senior Director of Engineering and Public Works Jim Snowden says this forecast is coming with some challenges.

Crews typically put down brine, a salt and water solution down but in this case, rain is preceding the icy conditions so crews probably won’t be able to do that because the brine will get washed off.

Snowden says his department is adjusting plans and their crews will stay overnight on Sunday.

There are about 1,800 miles of roads in the county with some of those in the city whose crews are ready to tackle any inclement weather.

Warming Centers Open in Knoxville as Temperatures Drop
Pexels

Warming Centers Open in Knoxville as Temperatures Drop

As they have since early December, four local churches will be opening their doors as overnight warming centers to anyone who needs a warm, indoor space on nights when temperatures drop below 25 degrees. The Salvation Army is also opening homeless shelter overflow space at 409 North Broadway. 

Centers will be open tonight (Saturday, Jan. 4) and and possibly Jan. 6-13.

Schedules will vary by site, and up-to-date bulletins will be sent to first responders, homeless outreach teams, hospitals, media outlets and other service providers.

Extreme cold weather is expected in Knoxville and Knox County from Jan. 6 to 13, 2025. According to the National Weather Service, the cold snap “could rival the historic and dangerous cold of December 2022,” during which Knoxville and Knox County experienced rolling blackouts and building damage due to frozen and burst pipes.

The Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability is assisting by coordinating volunteer services. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals, set up cots, provide transportation to people who need to get to warming centers, check people in, or stay overnight.

If you would like to volunteer for this community-wide effort, please see the site-specific contact information below:  

Warming Center North
Fountain City United Methodist Church, 212 Hotel Rd.
Click here to sign up to volunteer .

Warming Center South
Vestal United Methodist Church, 115 Ogle Ave.
To volunteer, text AJ Jackson at 865-963-2661.

Warming Center East
Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Magnolia Ave.
To volunteer, text Kecia Armstrong at 865-228-0990.

Warming Center West
Cokesbury Church, 9919 Kingston Pk.
To volunteer, go to Cokesbury.tv/Warming and click the “Volunteer Interest” button

The Salvation Army is also opening homeless shelter overflow space at 409 North Broadway.
To volunteer, sign up for a shift at SignUpGenius

Supplies are also needed: new or gently used blankets, sleeping bags, gloves and hats; new toiletries and socks are especially appreciated. 

If you would like to donate supplies, please drop them off at Knox Area Rescue Ministries at 418 North Broadway. A dedicated trailer has been set up to hold warming center donations, so all donations meant for warming centers will be reserved for that effort. If you’d like more information, please contact KARM at (865) 673-6540 or email [email protected].

The cold air stays ahead of winter precipitation for a WVLT First Alert Weather Day Sunday
Courtesy / WVLT News

The cold air stays ahead of winter precipitation for a WVLT First Alert Weather Day Sunday

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The forecast for the next 48 hours is fluid and should be watched closely. Any variation of temperatures and moisture into each elevation change can mean a difference in what you see.

Join us on the WVLT First Alert Weather app for iPhone or Android to stay informed. We share custom videos, and you can receive our messages on the latest conditions and forecasts at home.

WHAT TO EXPECT

First off, Saturday is going to be a calm day. If you still need to do any pipe protection or make that warm spot for outside pets, now is the time to do that. It’s sunny, but cold Saturday afternoon with temperatures staying in the mid to upper 30s.

The winds are light, but there is still a relative wind chill. Once that sun sets, we’re headed right back to the 20s overnight.

Sunday starts off cloudy with temperatures near 24.

LOOKING AHEAD

Sunday morning around 7 a.m. is when we’ll need to start checking in on-air and the WVLT First Alert Weather App. The moisture starts to move into the plateau counties and into the valley. It’s the morning hours that we will see a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow. Once again, that can change drastically depending on where you are and where you are headed.

The WVLT First Alert Weather Day is in effect on Sunday for the potential for frozen roads, bridges and overpasses and powerlines that could come down. A tenth of quart of an inch of ice is possible.

Winter Storm Watch is in effect for SE Kentucky while  a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for...
Winter Storm Watch is in effect for SE Kentucky while a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Tennessee.(WVLT)
Sunday at noon will be the height of the event on Sunday with snow and freezing rain across...
Sunday at noon will be the height of the event on Sunday with snow and freezing rain across the area.(WVLT)

Eventually, buy the afternoon, this is a transition to all rain, but for temperatures fall back below freezing on Monday for a transition back to snow.

Down the road, Wednesday and Thursday is clear of the precipitation, but we are below freezing for an extended period and that’s the reason for a WVLT First Alert Weather Day once again.

Two sets of WVLT First Alert Weather Days in the 8-Day Planning Forecast.
Two sets of WVLT First Alert Weather Days in the 8-Day Planning Forecast.(WVLT)
Knoxville, Knox County taking donations and volunteers ahead of frigid weather
Courtesy / WVLT News

Knoxville, Knox County taking donations and volunteers ahead of frigid weather

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Knoxville and Knox County’s Office of Housing Stability is preparing for forecasted frigid temperatures, and the office needs a little help.

The next week is expected to bring temperatures that rival the freeze of December 2022, meaning the office is opening warming shelters for those in need. However, the office is also asking for volunteers and donations.

First Alert Weather: Flurries now ahead of ice potential and an extended freeze, First Alert Weather Days

The warming shelters are located at the following locations:

  • Fountain City United Methodist Church, 212 Hotel Rd.
  • Vestal United Methodist Church, 115 Ogle Ave.
  • Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Magnolia Ave.
  • Cokesbury Church, 9919 Kingston Pk.
  • Salvation Army, 409 N Broadway (Homeless shelter overflow site)

Volunteers are needed to deliver meals, set up cots, provide transport, check people in or stay overnight. There’s several ways to get involved, depending on which site you’d like to volunteer for:

Fountain City United Methodist Church

Go to this link.

Vestal United Methodist Church

Text AJ Jackson at 865-963-2661

Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church

Text Kecia Armstrong at 865-228-0990

Cokesbury Church

Go to this link and click the “Volunteer Interest” button

Salvation Army

Go to this link.

The office is also taking donations of key supplies like blankets, sleeping bags, gloves and hats; new toiletries and socks are especially appreciated. Those interested in donating can take supplies to Knox Area Rescue Ministries at 418 North Broadway.

Flurries now ahead of ice potential and an extended freeze, First Alert Weather Days
Courtesy / WVLT News

Flurries now ahead of ice potential and an extended freeze, First Alert Weather Days

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Each of these weather systems affects the next, setting the stage for a greater impact each time. While we have cold winds and flurries to snow showers for now, this leaves us cold enough for the leading edge of rain on Sunday’s system to create a glaze of ice, with a WVLT First Alert Weather Day. After the rain to some snow, we’ll have an extended freeze and WVLT First Alert Weather Days next week.

Join us on the WVLT First Alert Weather app for iPhone or Android to stay informed. We share custom videos, and you can receive our messages on the latest conditions and forecasts at home.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This morning is mostly cloudy with some flurries flying around. We’re starting the day around 32 degrees.

Spotty flurries to snow showers continue until midday Friday, then as clouds break up this afternoon, we have stray mountain snow. We are only warming to around 42 degrees in Knoxville, and mid 30s in the higher elevations. Winds make it feel colder, with a westerly wind at 10 to 20 mph and gusts around 25 mph.

Tonight is frosty and frigid, with a clear sky and low of 21 degrees by Saturday morning.

LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday is calm and chilly, with temperatures 10 degrees below average all day. We’ll only warm to 38 degrees, but at least the wind is light.

Sunday to Monday are the days we’re watching closely for precipitation type changes. The First Alert Weather Day for Sunday is for the risk of ice development in the morning to midday, especially on the Plateau to Northeast Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky. A little ice is possible in the Valley, which can still be impactful.

It will be a slow warming to only 36 degrees Sunday afternoon with scattered rain to wintry mix showers. Actually we’ll keep warming into the 40s Sunday with a line of rain.

Monday is the next chance to see this change back to some ice and scattered snow showers, especially in the higher elevations outlining the Valley. It looks like the Valley will cool to the mid 30s Monday afternoon. It will be windy, with gusts around 30 mph, so it will feel like the 20s already.

In your First Alert 8-Day Planner, we have WVLT First Alert Weather Days for an extended freeze. We’ll barely be above freezing Tuesday, then we’ll fall into the low 20s and only warm to around 30 degrees next Wednesday and Thursday.

Tennessee State Parks to Host Free Guided Hikes on New Year’s Day

Tennessee State Parks to Host Free Guided Hikes on New Year’s Day

Nashville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) If you are looking for something to do on New Year’s Day, there’s no better place to go than the great outdoors!

Tennessee State Parks is inviting those who wish to jumpstart their New Year’s resolutions to be more active to get their hearts pumping at their local state park.

Park rangers will offer free guided hikes for all ages on January 1.

These “First Day Hikes” are part of Tennessee State Parks’ year-long “Signature Hikes” series, with most of the 59 parks hosting the events statewide.

The First Day Hikes vary from easy walks to strenuous ones.

The following are participating state parks in East Tennessee:

  • Harrison Bay
  • Sycamore Shoals
  • Norris Dam
  • Seven Islands
  • Cumberland Trail
  • Fort Loudoun
  • Panther Creek
  • Frozen Head
  • Indian Mountain
  • Red Clay
  • Hiwassee Ocoee
  • Roan Mountain
  • Cove Lake
  • Warriors Path
  • Rocky Fork

Officials said hikers are encouraged to wear closed-toed walking shoes and layered clothing and to bring water and snacks.

Click here for details about the First Day Hikes at each park.

The First Day Hikes vary from easy walks to strenuous ones. (Courtesy: WVLT)

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