KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Monday's snow in Knoxville was the most measured in a day in decades. During the week, freezing and melting cycles compacted the snow.
If you're planning on digging out of the snow this weekend, Rural Metro Fire Captain Jeffrey Bagwell said to make sure you're in good shape to do it.
"Do it in moderation," Bagwell said. "Scrape a little bit, go back inside rest, do a little bit more than come back in and rest."
Highway crews said ice melt can help clear your driveway, but most brands don't work when the temperature is below 15 degrees. Before you leave your home, scrape all of the snow off of your car, including from the roof. Any snow or ice left on the car could fly off and make driving dangerous for the people behind you.
"It can startle or it can scare you. That's the last thing you need if you're driving on ice, slick roads," Bagwell said.
He said it's a good idea to keep a blanket and a charged cell phone with you when you drive.
"If you were to crash into a ditch or something like that you have a way to stay warm. You have a cell phone to call for help," Bagwell said.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said you should also keep ice melt, a first aid kit, an ice scraper and cat litter or sand for traction in your car.
Bagwell said if your car gets stuck on the side of the road, you may need to return to get it out.
"We have seen cases not this year, but in years past where people have gotten out of their car, and they try in these kinds of conditions to get a car out of a ditch, and then they wind up getting hit themselves," Bagwell said.
Temperatures are expected to fall to the single digits Friday and Saturday night.