Rutherford County, TN - As the winter storm continues to grip Rutherford County and the surrounding areas in Middle Tennessee, residents are facing treacherous road conditions that have resulted in numerous accidents and even road closures. The snowfall began on Sunday, and with it came a cascade of wrecks and incidents on the icy roads.
During the initial 24 hours of snowfall, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office reported a series of accidents, including a crash involving several semi-trucks on Interstate 840 near Couchville Pike. Another incident led to the closure of Couchville Pike and Weakley Lane on Sunday. The challenging conditions persisted on Monday, with temperatures dropping further and the snowfall intensifying.
By Monday afternoon, the Sheriff's office had already responded to 17 crashes and assisted 23 stranded motorists. Remarkably, no critical injuries were reported in a little under 48 hours of snowfall. Deputies responded to incidents ranging from an overturned vehicle on Cedar Grove Road to a crash on Central Valley Road.
Dispatchers were inundated with calls from drivers needing assistance throughout the county, reporting icy incidents on various roads, including Interstate 24, Rocky Springs Road in Smyrna, and Allisona Road near Eagleville.
As the winter storm continues, Tuesday morning brought bone-chilling temperatures, with a windchill of -2 degrees and an actual temperature of 8 degrees by 6 AM. The high for the day is expected to reach only 17 degrees, exacerbating the hazardous road conditions. The cold snap will persist into Wednesday, with a high of 27 degrees and a low of 12 degrees.
Thursday brings the potential for worsening road conditions, as there is a 65% chance of precipitation and a high of 37 degrees. Thursday night is forecasted to drop to 19 degrees, with meteorologists predicting more snow in the evening, further complicating travel plans for residents.
Authorities urge motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel during this severe weather event. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office continues to monitor the situation closely and provides updates on road conditions and safety measures. Stay informed and stay safe as winter maintains its icy grip on Middle Tennessee. See closings and cancellations HERE. See TDOT travel information for area interstates and highways HERE.
