KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Very cold Arctic air has moved into the Southeast and temperatures will drop to the lowest they've been in almost a decade overnight.
The combination of clear skies and snow on the ground will maximize the cooling process and actual air temps will fall to near or below zero in the lower elevations.
Then you add in the wind and it's going to "feel" much colder due to the air movement whisking away your body heat.
A Wind Chill Advisory has been issued for our entire viewing area as "feels like" temps could be as low as -15 degrees.
When wind chills are this cold, frostbite (freezing of the skin) can occur in less than 30 minutes so you need to dress properly if you'll be outside.
Add layers and finish with an insulated jacket, then accessorize with hats, gloves and scarves. The goal is to cover as much skin as possible.
If you'll be driving, black ice is going to be a big concern. Anything that melted today will re-freeze tonight and roads could be very slick.
The main routes were treated and cleared by TDOT on Tuesday but those secondary, neighborhood and back roads are still snow-covered and/or icy.
Slow down, try to avoid sudden maneuvers (quick turns or heavy braking) and leave extra space between you and the vehicles around you.
Finally, make sure you a practicing the "5 P's of Cold Weather Safety!"
Dress warmly and check on your neighbors, drip your pipes, bring your pets inside or make sure they have warm shelter/fresh water, cover your plants and always practice fire safety by using safe heating sources.
