Once again this weekend, the Bristol area has some winter weather to deal with on the drive home. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, brought a winter situation that involved ice like Bristol hasn't seen in a long time. You can read about the snowstorm that hit in a hurry last Thursday night here.
Roads are very hazardous with black ice in spots. Some of the roads that were almost impassable earlier today are much better, such as Interstate 81 and West State Street, but the side roads and parking lots are like skating rinks. Refreezing is expected this evening as temperatures drop.
Listening to an emergency scanner today clearly indicated the level of traffic problems in the area. Hopefully, many people will head home for the evening and the streets will not be as congested as the ice worsens tonight.
Sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots are equally dangerous. K-Mart parking lot in Bristol today was almost impossible to walk on without using a shopping cart to steady yourself.
If you need road information in Virginia or Tennessee, you can dial 511. Since conditions vary greatly across the region, this would be a good idea before heading out. Check this list to see if your event has been cancelled before you brave the elements.
Tennessee has been declared a state of emergency due to severely icy situations around the state. The Virginia side of Bristol's traffic activity today is reflected in these local figures available from the Virginia State Police reported by WCYB.
Traffic Crashes=35 Disabled Vehicles=32
Total Calls for Service=187
There is good news, though. Temperatures are going to be much warmer by the first of the week. It is supposed to reach 56 degrees on Monday and 63 degrees on Tuesday!
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