Slick roads, virtual classes follow Winter Storm Gianna

Winter Storm Gianna delivered the snowfall that meteorologists had initially expected from an earlier system. The snow blanketed parts of East Tennessee with several inches of snow and prompted lingering travel concerns, school disruptions and cold weather advisories across the region. Freeze and extreme cold warnings stretched across much of the East and Southeast Monday morning after Gianna moved through with heavy snow and frigid temperatures, according to the Weather Channel. Some areas in Erwin reported between 4 and 8 inches of snow from Friday into Saturday. Despite the wintry start to the week, forecasters say conditions are expected to moderate, with temperatures ranging from the high 50s to low 40s in Erwin later this week starting Monday, Feb. 9. Unicoi County officials said road conditions remained hazardous as crews continued clearing efforts. In a Monday update posted to social media, Unicoi County Emergency Management Agency warned that roadways across the area were still snow covered and slick, urging motorists to use extreme caution. County road crews were prepared for the storm, according to Road Superintendent Terry Haynes. Haynes explained that the amount of salt used can vary widely depending on the severity of a storm, noting in an interview last week that a typical snowfall could require anywhere from 100 to 1,000 tons. Haynes noted that the road department started with 2,000 tons. An update on how much salt was ultimately used during Winter Storm Gianna is expected as crews continue to clear secondary roads and monitor refreeze conditions overnight. Erwin Utilities said it experienced few issues despite the freezing temperatures. "We were fortunate to have little to no issues," said Kala Allen, who works in marketing with Erwin Utilities. "We had minimal water line breaks and no power outages over the weekend. We usually see issues after the freeze when the ground shifts, but we've been fortunate." Erwin Utilities said crews are currently working to repair a water main break on Rich Hollow Road. Low water pressure is expected in that area, extending through Rich Hollow Road and Hasty Boulevard, as of Wednesday, Feb. 4. Allen added there is no advisory to conserve water at this time. The storm and lingering icy conditions also continued to affect Unicoi County Schools, which transitioned to virtual instruction this week after exhausting their allotted snow days. "We actually started virtual classes today," Superintendent John English said Wednesday. "We exhausted our last days at the first of the week." English said the district has now used all available snow days and is relying on virtual learning moving forward, pending state approval. "We will be virtual from this point forward, if the state allows it," he said, noting, "There's a maximum number of days that you can do virtual. We're still waiting on a little bit of guidance from the state in terms of last week and possibly this week, as some of those days may be forgiven because of the State natural disaster issuance." English said the district has already submitted paperwork requesting a waiver from the state and is awaiting a response. As temperatures begin to rise later this week, officials continue to urge caution on roadways, particularly during overnight hours when melting snow can refreeze and create slick conditions.