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How strong winds in East Tennessee impact students and truck drivers

Knox County Schools canceled class on Jan. 12 after a weather forecast called for strong winds that could dangerously impact high-profile vehicles, including buses.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Although strong winds may not impact the average person sitting inside their home, they can impact people whose jobs require them to be out on the roads.

Robert Vanmeter has been a truck driver for around three years, and he has a lot of experience driving in the elements.

“I’m headed up to Maryland and I’m watching the storm come in. I know I’m going to be in Pennsylvania heading into Columbus and am wondering, 'Am I going to make it?'” he said.

He said that as a truck driver, he keeps an eye on the weather. One part of the weather he makes sure to keep an eye on is the wind. Vanmeter said although high winds may not affect the average car, it’s not the same for semi-truck drivers and bus drivers.

“This morning, I came out of Jackson, Tennessee, through rain and wind and the surface area of these trucks is huge — it’s like a sail," he said.

Robert said he always monitors the weather on his route closely. And any time he needs to pull over and let a storm pass, he always will.

    

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