KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As winter weather makes its way into East Tennessee, many worked behind the scenes in preparation.
Almost all street maintenance and highway departments were closed for Veterans Day, but that didn't stop many from putting a winter weather plan in place for Tuesday's incoming weather.
"We are fully stocked in terms of our supplies, our equipment is prepared," said TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi. "This is the type of thing we prepare for all year round."
Nagi says crews plan to come in just after midnight to tackle Tuesday's predicted snow on interstate and state routes. Local roads are the responsibility of local authorities. Knoxville, Knox County and Anderson County had crews on standby, coming in after midnight.
At Knoxville's public service department up to 75 employees are available if needed. 23 plowing and salting trucks, along with seven used for the city's 25,000 gallons of brine line the lot ready to take action.
"If we end up getting it we'll be ready to go and our crews will be on the roads," said Nagi.
For the students hoping for a day off, the majority of counties plan to wait until morning to make that call before or by 6 a.m. It seems like a simple decision, but a lot of layers go into the decision-making process.
From urban to suburban to rural areas, it's all considered when making the decision for Knox County Schools.
The school district says they're aware cancellations or delays inconvenience parents and because of that the decision never comes easy.. but their interest is always what's safest for students.
Before the winter weather is here to stay, it's also the perfect time to winterize your home.
Experts recommend starting outside sealing windows with silicone and doors with weather stripping. Then inside, experts recommend making sure your hot water heater pipes are wrapped and covered.
Most importantly, they say don't wait until it's too late when the winter weather is here to stay.