SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency warned communities about winter weather on Thursday, while crews worked to restore power after thousands lost electricity in the last winter storm earlier in the week.
Officials with SCEMA originally said a winter weather advisory was in effect for the valley and foothills areas of Sevier County, including Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. They also said a winter storm warning was in effect for higher elevations of the county until 7 a.m. Friday, including Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
By 5 p.m. officials canceled the winter weather advisory for the valley and the foothills locations, including Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Meanwhile, they downgraded the winter storm warning to a winter weather advisory in higher elevations, like Gatlinburg.
They said people should expect hazardous driving conditions starting Thursday afternoon, especially in areas where roads may not have been treated or in steep areas with rugged mountain terrain.
People living in rural areas of Sevier County or inside of cabins should prepare in case of more power outages and increased snow. People should make sure they have enough supplies before conditions get too bad to leave, they said.
Around 8,400 people were still without power Thursday afternoon after another winter storm earlier in the week knocked out power for thousands of people in the area.
They said several inches of snow could accumulate again in some areas, with 1-4 inches in the valley and foothills and 2-5 inches in the mountains, and up to 6 inches in the highest elevations of the county.
Officials wanted that temperatures could drop into the low teens and single digits overnight, urging people to ensure they have a way to stay warm in the cold. They also said cabin property owners and managers should make sure guests are aware of the winter storm.'
Anyone with a medical emergency should call 911 for help, officials said. They also said that the American Red Cross is working with individuals, helping people on a case-by-case basis find shelter from the winter weather. They can be reached at 1-800-733-2767.