Tennessee
LIVE UPDATES: East Tennessee in a deep freeze as wind chill warnings persist
Winter snowstorm 2024: Freezing weather hits the Knoxville area
The cold and a thick blanket of snow forced the closures of schools, businesses and offices across East Tennessee as freezing temperatures move into the Knoxville area.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Tennessee
Tennessee Football Misses on Major Transfer Portal Target
The Tennessee Volunteers have been looking to land the best of the best when it comes to the transfer portal, and they have been targeting the best, but as of recently, all it has been is a bunch of swings and misses.
The Vols have missed yet again, as they have failed to land one of their top targets on their board when it comes to the college football transfer portal at a position that they currently need more than any. That position is the cornerback position, which is one that they need very badly.
The player that they failed to land in this go-around is Troy cornerback Jaquez White. White is one of the better players that the portal has seen at the position, as he was easily named as a top portal target for many. He was seriously looking at Tennessee, and the Vols were ready to bring him in, but instead, he has opted to commit to the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies have done a decent job in the portal thus far, but their portal class has definitely improved following the addition of White.
Whether this is a money thing or the Vols just couldn’t do enough convincing, the point is that they have missed on guys left and right recently. The vision isn’t clear, but fans are hopeful that it will be soon.
Here is what White did in his 2025 season according to the Troy website.
Jaquez White’s 2025 Season
“Earned All-Sun Belt Second Team honors … Ranked third in the league (seventh nationally) with 14 total passes defended and fourth (15th nationally) with 11 pass break ups … Started 12 games and played in all 14 contests … Returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in Troy’s victory over Louisiana; added interceptions against Nicholls and in Sun Belt Championship Game at James Madison … Finished season with 67 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack … Sack came in Troy’s win over South Alabama; added five tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass break up in the game … Season-best seven tackles against Memphis … Broke up four passes in win at ULM and had a pair at Southern Miss … Troy’s top-rated defender per PFF with an 87.6 rating … Played 879 defensive snaps, second most on the team … Third-rated cornerback in the country (min. 700 snaps) per PFF and fourth-rated cover corner … Held opponents to a 54.5 reception percentage (36-of-66).”
More Vols News
Tennessee
Tennessee football DL Josh Schell enters transfer portal
Tennessee defensive lineman Josh Schell has entered the transfer portal, he announced on social media on Jan. 6.
Schell had a short stint at Tennessee after transferring from Grand Valley State in April. He played all 13 games and made one tackle in the 2025 season.
Schell played more than 100 snaps, mostly on special teams. He never cracked the rotation on the defensive line.
Schell spent three seasons at Grand Valley State, including a redshirt year, and one season at Tennessee. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder is from Camden, New Jersey. His best college season was 2024 at Grand Valley State, when he played 13 games and recorded 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
He was also a pitcher on the Grand Valley State baseball game in the 2023 season.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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Tennessee
Tennessee Titans head coach interview schedule takes shape
The Tennessee Titans’ search for their next head coach is coming into focus, and the initial interview phase is in full swing.
Following the news that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy would be having a first virtual interview on Thursday, the dates and times for some interviews for other candidates have come out.
Multiple reports on social media indicate that Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will meet with Mike Borgonzi on Wednesday, followed by Nagy on Thursday. The team will then follow that up by meeting with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Saturday and former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on Monday.
Tennessee will also meet with interim head coach Mike McCoy, and is rumored to have interest in former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
It’s an ever-changing process in Nashville. Stay up to date with all the coaching search news with us here at Titans Wire, and please sound off with your thoughts.
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