RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - As Middle Tennessee braces for a frigid weekend, driving conditions are expected to worsen as wet roads transform into icy hazards. The dip in temperatures on Friday night, coupled with freezing conditions, poses significant challenges for motorists, prompting warnings from local authorities.

Early Friday morning, Murfreesboro Police confirmed reports of slippery roads causing issues for drivers. The Old Fort Parkway bridge over I-24 witnessed an incident where a layer of ice led to a car sliding into the side of a semi-truck trailer. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported. Murfreesboro Street Department crews are actively spreading salt on the bridge and various roadways in an effort to mitigate icy conditions as temperatures drop further.

Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, slow down, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. With freezing temperatures expected to persist into Saturday morning, the risk of icy roads remains high.

In neighboring Coffee County, the rural Beechgrove area has experienced numerous issues attributed to snow and ice. The Coffee County Sheriff's Office reported several calls from motorists passing through the Beechgrove community, citing problems with slippery roads on Noah Road and McBride's Branch. Despite efforts by the County Highway Department and TDOT to plow and apply salt, these roads continue to pose significant dangers with extreme slickness.

While warmer temperatures initially contributed to natural road clearing, the impending drop in temperature over the next 48 hours could reverse these improvements. Friday night is forecasted to bring temperatures down to 5 degrees, with Saturday night and early Sunday morning expecting to hit 0 degrees, accompanied by wind-chills in the negative.

Local authorities are advising residents to stay informed about road conditions, exercise extreme caution while driving, and consider limiting non-essential travel during the icy conditions. As the region faces the grip of winter, the emphasis on safety becomes paramount to navigate the challenging roadways ahead. See the TDOT map to get a better understanding of road conditions before driving this evening and on Saturday HERE.