MOORE COUNTY – Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Those were the sentiments of Metro Mayor Bonnie Lewis Tuesday afternoon as she discussed the second round of hazardous winter weather potentially headed Lynchburg’s way.
“We’re right on that fine line according to the weather advisories,” Mayor Lewis said. “I hope it misses us but we’re preparing as if it won’t.”
According to both National Weather Service offices in both Nashville and Huntsville, Moore County is just below the new Winter Storm Watch. Both forecasts state that new heavy mixed precipitation could be headed this way beginning Wednesday, February 17 around 4 p.m. and continuing until Thursday afternoon. The new watch predicts additional snow accumulations of up to one inch and more ice possible.
Tuesday marked the state’s fifth straight day of below freezing temperatures. Weather experts predict temps will rise above the freeze mark in Lynchburg on Wednesday around noon briefly before nose diving again.
“Of course, even if it does get above freezing, the ground is still frozen,” Mayor Lewis warned. “It won’t take much for it to refreeze and get very slick again.”
Moore still not recovered from first round
On Tuesday afternoon 1,000 Lynchburg homes and businesses remained without power. Duck River officials said Tuesday afternoon that crews will work overnight to restore power now that roads clearer. DREMC brought in crews from both out of state and other cooperatives to get power restored more quickly.
Mayor Lewis said that Moore County High School has been opened as a public shelter for those who remain without power and the American Red Cross are now onsite assisting locals. Moore first responder can assist locals with transportation to the shelter if necessary.
Locals with disabilities, illnesses, and elderly citizens are highly encouraged to utilize the shelter. The winter weather event, which began Monday afternoon, has already proved deadly for Tennessee claiming three lives: one in Maury County and two in Shelby County.
Mayor Lewis says Moore County first responders have performed several in home rescues over the past several days including one using a Hummer to get across down trees and power lines to get a resident to safety.
“Charity and Ledford Mill communities have been hit the hardest. It looks like a war zone out there,” she says. “There are still downed trees and power line everywhere.”
All state and local government offices are closed on Wednesday including the Moore County Health Department and the Metro Convenience Center. Garbage pick up will not take place on Wednesday and local schools are also closed.
Mayor Lewis says she’s gotten several calls about citizens needing propane, kerosene heaters, or generators.
“Unfortunately, Metro does not have access to these things and none seem to be available at area retails stores,” she said.
If you need assistance, call the Metro emergency assistance number 931-307-6506 or the Moore County Sheriff’s Department at 931-759-7323. •