KNOXVILLE - The City of Knoxville is prepared for another round of wintry weather. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the city and surrounding areas. Snow and dangerously cold temperatures are expected this weekend, with precipitation expected to arrive this afternoon.

Public Service/Road Preparations:

• Public Service crews started brining at 5 a.m. today and will continue tomorrow
• Public Service stands ready to switch to snow removal plan, if needed
• Salt and brine supplies are nearly fully stocked
• Public Service will have staff in the Emergency Operations Center, to ensure a quick response to any troubled spots

Knoxville Police Department:

• KPD will open its operation center at noon Friday to monitor weather, calls for service, and real-time community impacts and adjust response as needed
• If conditions deteriorate, KPD will transition to its Severe Weather Snow Plan
• Officers will transport, or help arrange transportation, for any individuals they encounter to a warming center, if needed
• KPD will have staff in the Emergency Operations Center in coordination with KEMA

Knoxville Fire Department:

• KFD will have 5 TRT’s (Triage Response Teams) on standby
• If conditions deteriorate, KFD will transition to its severe weather plan
• KFD will have staff in the Emergency Operations Center in coordination with KEMA
• Look for Winter Weather updates and safety tips on KFD’s Facebook page

Office of Housing Stability:

• Warming Centers (Church St UMC, Cokesbury Church, and Eternal Life Harvest Center) are open
• Relaunch will continue to operate as a seasonal shelter, and KARM will continue to operate at full surge capacity
• KAT will continue to provide free bus rides to warming centers
• For more information on warming centers, go to: knoxtnhousing.org/warming-centers

Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency:

• Weather briefing and coordination meeting happened today
• The Emergency Operations Center will be opened by this afternoon
• Follow KEMA on Facebook for winter weather safety tips

Please look for any additional updates on the City’s social media channels.