Oak Ridge Schools open on time Thursday
Oak Ridge Schools will open on time, as scheduled on Thursday, Jan. 25. All bus routes, as well as before and after school programming, will resume as scheduled, according to a news release from the system.
Due to persistent ice and unsafe road conditions on many side roads, Oak Ridge Schools will remain closed on Wednesday, Jan. 24. As temperatures continue to rise, the district will assess conditions throughout the day Wednesday. Families will be notified of any changes to Thursday's schedule before 8:00 p.m. Wednesday. _ Oak Ridge Schools news release.
Wednesday’s home basketball games against Alcoa are postponed because of road conditions. Games may be rescheduled for a later date. _ ORHS Wildcats Athletics on Twitter
4:45 p.m. Monday - Five Anderson County convenience centers will be open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to accept garbage, according to Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank. Citizens are strongly encouraged to use caution. Many areas in the county remain icy, and if citizens can wait to use centers until conditions are further improved, they are strongly encouraged to do so. The open convenience centers will be: Green Valley (Medford), Frost Bottom, Glen Alpine, Wolf Valley and Marlow. Briceville will not be open on Tuesday and will be assessed for an opening on Wednesday. (Note: some centers may be open a little earlier, depending on conditions.)
3:27 p.m. Monday - Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank sent out an email stating that Anderson County government, including the Health Department, will open at 10 a.m., two hours late on Tuesday, Jan. 23.
"While higher temperatures have helped with some melting, conditions can still be dangerous in many locations. Citizens and employees are encouraged to use caution. The Anderson County Senior Center will remain closed to the public until Wednesday, Jan. 24. As of the time of this notice, we're still awaiting on confirmation if Waste Connections will be running their trucks in order to serve and open the convenience centers. Once we have confirmation, we will notice the public, but until that time, they do remain closed. With persistent cold temperatures, ice remains in many areas of the county. Citizens are strongly encouraged to consider limiting travel until conditions are favorable."
Oak Ridge Schools announced Monday afternoon: Due to persistent ice and unsafe road conditions on many side roads, Oak Ridge Schools will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 23. As temperatures continue to rise, the district will assess conditions throughout the day Tuesday afternoon before making any decisions about future dates. Anderson County and all other public schools in the area are also closed.
7:13 p.m. - Anderson County government, including the Health Department, will remain closed for Monday, Jan. 22. "We are planning on a delayed opening on Tuesday, with the understanding that a Monday afternoon assessment may warrant some ancillary facilities to remain closed. We are fortunate to have seen a lot of melting today, but these temps will mean ice in the morning, and in talking with various agencies and officials, still far too much ice out there." Convenience Centers for trash: the Convenience Centers will remain closed Jan. 22. Waste Connections plans are to resume truck operations Tuesday, with a tentative delayed opening for convenience centers Tuesday, Jan. 23. Waste Management Chestnut Ridge Landfill will be open on Monday, Jan. 22. _Anderson County Emergency Communications
4:25 p.m. Many Oak Ridge roadways are still very icy despite being treated and plowed. Conditions are expected to worsen once the sun goes down. Stay home, if possible. If you see running water outside, please report it to Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875. To report a power outage, call (865) 425-1803. Do not call 911 to report an outage or check road conditions. _ Oak Ridge emergency communications
3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21 - Oak Ridge Schools will remain closed on Monday, Jan. 22, due to unsafe road conditions. With temperatures projected to warm, school system officials will assess conditions throughout the day Monday before making a decision about Tuesday's schedule. _ news release issued Sunday afternoon by Oak Ridge Schools
"Urgent request" posted to United Way of Anderson County Facebook page: Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church has been operating a warming shelter during this frigid cold spell. If you are available to help, please contact Amanda Culver at culver.amanda@gmail.com or call her at 678-491-5806.
"We would like to keep the warming center open one more day, if at all possible. ... We'd like to stay open until at least 10 a.m., ideally 2 p.m. when it really warms up on Monday. Please respond if you can take any of these times"
Sunday 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
Monday 6 a.m.–10 a.m.
Monday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Anderson County Schools are closed Monday and Tuesday. Roane County Schools are closed Monday.
Saturday night: Black ice is making roadways dangerously slick. Stay home, if possible. Crews are continuing to clear roadways where conditions are safe to do so. There are 3 active water main breaks in Oak Ridge at this time. If you see running water outside, please report it to Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875. To report a power outage, call (865) 425-1803. Do not call 911 to report an outage or check road conditions. Everbridge communications system. Click the link for information on how to sign up
The Oak Ridge Public Library, Oak Ridge Animal Shelter, Oak Ridge Senior Center, Oak Ridge Civic Center and Scarboro Center, will remain closed the weekend, according to the city website. The Centennial Golf Course will remain closed until snow and ice clear and the course has dried."While the roads are still icy, please keep your Oak Ridge Public Library items at home until city offices reopen. We don't charge overdue fines anymore, so stay in and read a bit more," the city statement said.
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank stated in an email Friday night that the county's convenience centers, where residents drop off their garbage and recyclables, are closed Saturday. Also closed is Chestnut Ridge landfill.
4:18 p.m. Friday - Plows are working through Oak Ridge neighborhoods ahead of an expected drop in temperatures tonight and this weekend. City facilities will remain closed through Sunday. Temps are expected to drop this afternoon. Please avoid the roadways as they may be icy. There is one active water main break at this time. If you see running water outside, please report it to Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875. To report a power outage, call (865) 425-1803. Do NOT call 911 to report an outage or check road conditions _ Oak Ridge city emergency communication alerts
WEATHER REPORT: The National Weather Service forecast shows isolated snow showers before 7 p.m. Friday, then isolated flurries from 7 to 11 p.m. A low temperature of 8 degrees. On Saturday, mostly sunny - yea! - with a high near 22 . Wind chill values between -1 and 9 degrees. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Saturday night, a low around 3 degrees is forecast with wind chill values between -4 and 1. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight. A high of 31 Sunday with sunny skies. A low Sunday night of 14.
City of Oak Ridge offices and facilities will remain closed Friday, Jan. 19. Only essential personnel are to report. _ Message posted to city website
9:58 a.m. Friday - Oak Ridge crews will continue to treat and plow side streets in the city, as well as main roads in The Preserve today. Temps are expected to drop this afternoon. Please avoid the roadways as they may be icy. There is one active water main break at this time: East Faunce Lane. If you see running water outside, please report it to Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875. To report a power outage, call (865) 425-1803. Do not call 911 to report an outage or check road conditions. _ Everbridge communications system. Click the link for information on how to sign up.
9:04 a.m. Friday - "Overnight freezing rain and freezing temperatures have caused most roads in Anderson County to be very dangerous to traverse. Secondary roads still appear to be covered in ice from packed snow and falling freezing rain. Please use extreme caution if there is a need to travel roadways," _ message from Anderson County Emergency Communications app. Citizens are reminded that they may download the Anderson County E-911 app on their cellphones to receive updates about this fire as they are released. The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
9:43 p.m. Thursday - Anderson County Emergency Communications has issued a message for all residents to stay off the road because of icy conditions. "The freezing rain has began to affect the roads tremendously in Anderson County. We ask all residents to remain off of the roadways as the roads have become very slick even with four wheel drive. Please be patient with first responder agencies as they navigate the dangerous roads while responding to emergencies," the message reads.
Oak Ridge city administration is monitoring conditions and decision on whether to open Municipal Buiding and call in non-essential workers Friday will be made by 6 a.m. _ City of Oak Ridge website
"Anderson County Courthouse will be closed Friday, Jan. 19. This includes the Health Department, and Convenience Centers. We have areas that are in good shape, but too many that have turned to icier conditions. I hope everyone stays safe and warm!" _Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank
Oak Ridge crews will continue to plow side streets citywide Thursday afternoon and into the evening ahead of more winter weather.
There are three active water main breaks at this time: Bunker Lane; East Farragut Road; Aspen Lane
If you see running water outside, please report it to Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875.
To report a power outage, call (865) 425-1803. Do NOT call 911 to report an outage or check road conditions. _ Everbridge communications system
10:53 a.m. Oak Ridge crews are plowing and treating all side streets and known trouble spots, hills and shady areas. Winter weather is expected later today, staff will reevaluate mid-day.
There are three active water main breaks at this time. If you see running water outside, please report it to Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875.
To report a power outage, call (865) 425-1803. Do NOT call 911 to report an outage or check road conditions. _ Everbridge communications system
10:20 a.m. Thursday - Due to unsafe road conditions, Oak Ridge Schools will be closed Friday, Jan. 19. - City schools' news release.
7:03 a.m. THURSDAY - The Oak Ridge National Laboratory site will reopen at 10 a.m. today, Jan. 18. All staff who can telework are expected to do so. _ ORNL news release
8:30 p.m. Wednesday - Oak Ridge Public Works crews plowed the following areas this afternoon: Outer Drive; West Outer Drive; Gum Hollow Road; Park Meade Place; Palisades Parkway; Whippoorwill Drive; East and West Vanderbilt Drive; Morningside Drive; Highland Avenue; East Drive; Arkansas Avenue; California Avenue; and Wisconsin Avenue.
Crews will continue to plow and salt the roadways.
There are four active water main breaks at this time: Houston Avenue; Hoyt Lane; Tucker Road; Bethune Circle
If you see running water outside, please report it to Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875.
To report an outage, call (865) 425-1803. Do not call 911 to report an outage or check road conditions. _ Oak Ridge emergency
1:45 p.m. Wednesday - The Oak Ridge Police Department stated: Public Works crews are responding to several water main breaks in the City. Those living in the surrounding areas of the following locations may experience low water pressure, water outages and/or discolored water for the next several hours while crews work to repair the mains:- East Tennessee Avenue- Goldenview Lane- Malvern Road- North Illinois Avenue near Heritage Fellowship Church- Tucker Road- Bethune Circle
If you see running water outside, please report it to Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875. _ Everbridge communications system
12:35 p.m. Wednesday - "Due to freezing temperatures and road conditions, Oak Ridge Schools will be Thursday, Jan. 18. The district will assess conditions throughout the day tomorrow to make any decisions about future dates. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority." - Oak Ridge Schools news release
Noon Wednesday - This message comes in from the Anderson County Emergency Communications: With the temperatures dropping into the single digits last night it has caused some roads to ice over. We ask the community to stay off the roads if at all possible. If you do need to travel the roadways give yourself enough time to travel safely. Most main roads are beginning to improve drastically as the sun begins to melt the snow and ice. Side and back roads can still be iced over and very dangerous to travel down. Tennessee Valley Authority is asking for your continued help and support to reduce the demand of power. Dropping your thermostat 1 to 2 degrees, turning off interior lights during the day, and opening blinds and curtains during the day and closing them at night can reduce the load put on the system!
10:49 a.m. Wednesday - "The Oak Ridge National Laboratory site will remain closed on Wednesday, Jan. 17. ORNL will reopen Thursday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. Staff able to telework are expected to do so." _ ORNL news release.
9:08 a.m. WEDNESDAY - City of Oak Ridge Public Works employees plowed side streets on the east side of the city overnight and will continue today while maintaining main thoroughfares. Drive slowly & bundle up! _ Everbridge communications system
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory site plans to reopen at noon Wednesday, Jan. 17, dependent on conditions Wednesday morning. Staff able to telework are expected to do so. Any status changes will be shared by 10 a.m. Wednesday. _ORNL news release
1:15 p.m. Tuesday - City of Oak Ridge crews have worked 24/7 since Sunday night to clear all major thoroughfares in the city; side street plowing is now underway. The Public Works Department is repairing three water main breaks. Call Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875 to report running water outside.
The Oak Ridge City Council work session scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled.
10:15 a.m. TUESDAY - Due to weather and road conditions, Oak Ridge Schools will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 17, according to the school system.
8:54 p.m. - "The Oak Ridge National Laboratory site will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 16, due to severe winter weather that has caused hazardous on-site conditions. Select staff will remain onsite for operations essential to the lab’s science mission, safety and security. Staff able to telework are expected to do so." _ORNL news release
5:41 p.m. - Melton Lake Drive will remain closed to through traffic overnight; residents can pass. Avoid driving, if possible. Crews continue to work as fast as possible to clear roadways.
3:18 p.m. Monday - From Anderson County Emergency Communications: Both state and county roads continue to accumulate snow, and will continue for the next several hours. Another band of snow coming from the west is expected to impact our are over the next 2-4 hours. We urge all residents to remain at home if at all possible, and to stay off the roadways. Emergency personnel have been working tirelessly all day throughout the county to ensure the safety of our community. Anderson County Schools & Anderson County Government Offices will be closed tomorrow, Jan. 16, due to the inclement weather.
2:59 p.m. Monday - Oak Ridge Schools closed on Tuesday.
1:05 p.m. Melton Lake Drive is closed to through traffic until further notice; residents can pass. Avoid driving, if possible. Crews continue working as fast as possible to clear roadways. - message from city of Oak Ridge
12:30 p.m. Monday: South Illinois Ave is impassable in both directions from Lafayette Drive to Solway bridge. Crews are working as fast as possible to clear roadways - message from city of Oak Ridge
11:08 a.m. Monday - Anderson County Emergency Communications has issued a message: Current road conditions in Anderson County are deteriorating very rapidly. Most side roads are becoming impassible, and unsafe to travel. Main roads are passible at this time, but are beginning to deteriorate as snow continues to fall.
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10:30 a.m. Monday - The city of Oak Ridge's public notification system has issued a message: Winter weather begins to impact main roads; stay home and off the roadways, if possible. Follow the link to sign up for alerts.
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Martin Luther King Jr. benefit basketball games in Oak Ridge, set for Monday, have been canceled.
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Anderson County's convenience centers are operated by Waste Connections. Due to current weather and road conditions, trucks are not running today, and the county's trash convenience centers will be closed today, Monday, Jan. 15, according to Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank.
Email your snow photos to oakridge@oakridger.com. Include name and location of person taking photo, and if people are in photo, their names. If kids, we'd like ages too. We will try to publish as many as possible online.
The Oak Ridger's News Editor Donna Smith covers Oak Ridge area news. Email her at dsmith@oakridger.com and follow her on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @ridgernewsed.
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This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge Schools open on time Thursday
