Maryville, Tennessee – It’s January, and most of us are preparing for our first major winter storm of the season. Winter storm Cora is heading our way, and forecasters are predicting she will arrive mid-morning Friday and continue through Saturday morning. The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a Winter Storm Warning, and they are anticipating Blount County will receive between 4 and 6 inches of snowfall.

The National Weather Service advised some impacts from the storm include roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions! The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes. Delay travel if at all possible, but if you must travel, motorists should use extreme caution!

Sheriff’s deputies will be out conducting regular patrols and responding to calls for service throughout the weekend, but please keep in mind that if you decide to travel and you are involved in a non-injury motor vehicle crash and you call 911, our response could be delayed depending on call volume and road conditions. Of course if you are injured and require an EMS response, we will get to you as quickly as possible. Sheriff’s deputies will be communicating with the Blount County Highway Department over the weekend in regard to county roadways that may need extra attention.

Many of you are experienced in weathering a winter storm and know what to do to keep you and your family safe in and out of your vehicle, but we have compiled a list with a few tips and reminders. It’s never too late to prepare!

It appears that our temperatures will remain below normal in the coming days, but there is some sunshine in the forecast next week!