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LIVE UPDATES: East Tennessee in a deep freeze as wind chill warnings persist

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LIVE UPDATES: East Tennessee in a deep freeze as wind chill warnings persist


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A wind chill advisory from the National Weather Service warns East Tennesseans that temperatures could feel like 15 below zero this morning. Conditions may be worse in the higher elevations.

The warning is in effect until noon. After that, high temperatures will approach freezing but not go above it.

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“Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves,” weather service meteorologists said.

Another storm could move in later in the week, but the forecasts on that “wintry mix” and below-zero wind chills aren’t totally solid yet. Stay tuned.

Here’s what you need to know to start your day today as many nonessential functions have been slow to restart because of snow-covered roads and bitter cold temperatures.

TVA asks customers to save electricity

This morning’s freezing cold temperatures could lead to record demand on the Tennessee Valley Authority power grid. TVA is asking customers to do their part by being smart about their electricity use to avoid the need for blackouts.

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Reducing the stress on the power grid will be especially useful between 7 to 11 a.m.

The federal utility expects a demand to top 35,000 megawatts as wind chills dip below zero degrees across parts of the agency’s service area, a spokesperson told Knox News. TVA’s power system is capable of producing close to 33,000 megawatts and the agency has purchase power agreements with other companies for thousands of megawatts.

Ways to pitch in:

  • Adjust thermostat to between 65-68 degrees, or the lowest temperature that keeps you warm and safe.
  • Limit use of nonessential appliances and lights and unplug unused electronics
  • Unblock air vents
  • Postpone use of hot water
  • Wait to run the dishwasher or washer and dryer until warmer times of day
  • Open blinds and curtains during the day on the sunny side of the house and close them at night
  • Keep warm air circulating with ceiling fans
  • Wear more layers and blankets inside to keep warm

Today’s cancelations and closures

  • Knox County Libraries will be closed today.
  • The Knox County Commission Audit Committee’s meeting scheduled for today has been canceled. It will be rescheduled in February.
  • The Knox County Sheriff Employees’ Merit System Board of Directors meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled.
  • Knoxville city offices and recreation centers will be closed today. City services such as KPD, KFD, public service crews and fleet service technicians will continue to perform their duties.
  • The Knoxville Museum of Art will remain closed.
  • The Beck Cultural Exchange Center will be closed and will operate on a limited basis the rest of the week.
  •  The Diocese of Knoxville Chancery will be closed.
  • The U.S. citizenship naturalization ceremony that had been scheduled for today is canceled. The next Knoxville ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. April 25.
  • KAT buses have been suspended due to continued dangerous road conditions. KAT does not expect to return to any level of service before this afternoon. Updates and route information will be posted at katbus.com.

East Tennessee schools are closed today

Freezing cold and snow translated into closed schools today, and students, parents and teachers are anxiously awaiting news on whether their break will be extended another day – or two. Check back at knoxnews.com for news as soon as we hear it.

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Stay safe in your car and in your home

There are a few steps to take ‒ and a few myths to avoid ‒ to keep your car running in the bitter cold.

You don’t want frozen pipes or to feel cold in your own house. Take these steps now to be cozy and safe.

Power outages can be dangerous. Here’s how to stay safe and avoid fires.



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Tennessee

More than 8,500 layoffs hit Tennessee in 2025, nearly 19% increase from 2024

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More than 8,500 layoffs hit Tennessee in 2025, nearly 19% increase from 2024


Tennessee employers laid off more than 8,500 workers in 2025 compared to 7,320 last year, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

This is about a 19% increase in layoffs, with WARN notices impacting 8,691 Tennesseans to date. As of 2023, 5,168 Tennessee workers were laid off through WARN notices.

Counties in Middle Tennessee impacted include:

  • Davidson
  • Sumner
  • Maury
  • Rutherford
  • Williamson
  • Wilson
  • Coffee
  • DeKalb
  • Bedford
  • Lawrence
  • Putnam

The largest layoff this year was in Maury County. Come January, 710 employees will be laid off from GM Ultium Cells’ Spring Hill facility. Research Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Knoxville Michael Kofoed tells FOX 17 News that the facility is is likely impacted by the rise on steel tariffs ruled out by the Trump administration. He adds steel tariffs raise input costs for employers which directly impacts employees’ salary or employment.

The second largest layoff impacted 658 workers at Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC in Rutherford County with 615 workers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center permanently laid off. WARN notices are reports a company is required to file with the state to give workers time to find future employment.

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Kofoed states that Tennessee is seeing a troubling trend, with layoffs skyrocketing since 2023.

“That is a very big and concerning number,” Kofoed said.

According to CNBC, more than 1.1 million U.S. employees were laid off this year, the highest 11-month total since 2020.



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Nonprofit rescues 11 ‘emaciated and suffering’ animals from Tennessee property ahead of dangerous cold snap

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Nonprofit rescues 11 ‘emaciated and suffering’ animals from Tennessee property ahead of dangerous cold snap


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) is asking for donations after rescuing 11 animals Friday.

ARC said it was contacted by law enforcement in an unidentified rural Tennessee area to rescue five dogs and six cats in what the nonprofit is calling “Operation Cold Snap.”

In the rescue, the nonprofit took in two emaciated Great Danes, three Pit Bulls and six cats. ARC said some of the animals are emaciated and suffering from untreated bite wounds and infections.

The nonprofit said the animals were kept without heat or regular care.

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ARC shared a video of the rescue. In it, you can see the property s in disarray with trash littering the floor and overturned furniture.

This rescue comes just days before Middle Tennessee is expected to see its coldest temperatures of the season.

Now, ARC is asking for donations to help the 11 animals rescued Operation Cold Snap. Those interested in donating can do so on the nonprofit’s website.



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Alex Golesh hires former Tennessee analyst as Auburn’s coordinator

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Alex Golesh hires former Tennessee analyst as Auburn’s coordinator


Alex Golesh was introduced as Auburn’s head coach on Dec. 1. He served as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator and tight ends coach from 2021-22.

Golesh announced the hiring of Jacob Bronowski as Auburn’s special teams coordinator. He served as the Vols’ special teams analyst in 2021 under head coach Josh Heupel. Bronowski was also under Heupel at UCF in 2020 as special teams quality control.

“His track record is outstanding,” Golesh said of Bronowski. “He developed multiple national award contenders, including a Lou Groza Award winner, and has led some of the top special teams units in the country.

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“I saw up close when we worked together before that coach Bronowski understands that special teams can be a championship difference-maker, and he’s proven he can develop elite specialists. He brings exactly the attention to detail and relentless work ethic we need in our program.”

Auburn will play at Tennessee on Oct. 3, 2026.

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