RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNSNews) - A possibility of ice and snow are forecast to settled hard over Rutherford County. This weekend’s brutal forecast is reminding everyone just how quickly life can change when Arctic air sweeps across Tennessee. After a stretch of mild days that felt almost springlike, the county is now bracing for a period of dangerous cold, with wind chills low enough to make you shiver just thinking about stepping outside.
Forecasters warn that this frigid pattern could linger, bringing a heightened risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and weather‑related emergencies. For many families, the cold means more than discomfort. It affects everything from heating bills to transportation and school schedules.
Also, don't forget to check on neighbors, friends and relatives who are living alone. Check on them daily, make certain they are warm, have enough food, and your phone call lets them know "someone cares"!
Local agencies are already seeing the ripple effects. First responders note an uptick in calls related to space heaters and welfare checks. County warming centers are preparing for increased demand, and animal shelters are reminding residents that pets feel the cold just as sharply as people do. As those are needed and opened, WGNS will keep you informed.
The American Red Cross of Tennessee is urging residents to take the cold seriously and follow key safety steps. Staying warm is the first priority, and that may mean heading to a public library, shopping mall, or designated warming center if your home becomes too cold. Heating safely is equally important; space heaters and fireplaces should be used with caution, keeping anything flammable at least three feet away.
The Red Cross also stresses avoiding candles during electrical outages, watching for carbon monoxide dangers, and checking on neighbors who may need help. Walking and driving require extra care, as even a thin layer of ice can turn sidewalks and roads treacherous. Dressing in layers, avoiding overexertion while shoveling, and knowing the signs of frostbite and hypothermia can make all the difference during a cold snap like this.
For those who want extra tools at their fingertips, the Red Cross encourages downloading its free First Aid and Emergency apps, which offer guidance when help is delayed and provide real‑time weather alerts and shelter information. CLICK HERE for Red Cross emergency information.
As Rutherford County hunkers down for this burst of winter weather, officials say preparation and neighbor‑to‑neighbor awareness remain the community’s strongest defenses against the cold. If you’d like, I can help you craft a shorter radio version of this story for quick on‑air updates.
And for newcomers to the Volunteer State, remember--if today’s weather isn’t your style, just give it a minute—Tennessee will swap it out for something completely different!
