Kingsport prepares roads for winter storm

KINGSPORT — Truck wheels were turning and salt brine was moving around Kingsport this week in preparation for the incoming winter storm forecast to sweep through Northeast Tennessee this weekend. Salt brine was applied to city roads starting Thursday morning in anticipation of snowfall. Salt brine is a salt and water mixture used to pre-treat roads before a winter storm or to melt snow on roadways when temperatures hover around freezing. Staff maintaining the roads will rotate between two 12-hour shifts starting Saturday morning until the storm is over for 24-hour coverage. "With the forecast and how it's been evolving and moving, we're probably going to stick with that and just see where it comes unless all of this passes, which I don't think it will," said Deputy City Manager Ryan McReynolds. As of Thursday morning, the Morristown National Weather Service office forecast a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain starting Saturday. Freezing rain and rain are forecast for Sunday night. What kind of precipitation will fall and where is still "highly uncertain," according to the National Weather Service. Concerns remain for the city even as the weekend wraps up with a possibility of slight precipitation followed by a drop in temperature. "Our main concern, based on the forecast, is what we're seeing Monday," McReynolds said. "[When] that cold, cold, cold temperature comes in, the salt becomes much, much less effective, so we're really hoping to get as much done as we can before that." About 3,500 to 4,000 tons of salt are on-hand for the city as of Thursday, with the ability to replenish salt stores throughout the weekend weather event. Around a quarter of the current supply is used in a heavy winter event, McReynolds said. The city has three different salt storage facilities: two by Kingsport's Streets and Sanitation offices, and a satellite facility in Colonial Heights. "That's really been a huge plus that allows our people on the south side of the town, our workers, to be able to respond much quicker," said McReynolds. Kingsport has 40 vehicles available; however, all 40 are not on the road at a time. After vehicles are deployed, mechanics service the vehicles so they can return to the roads. The city is responsible for prepping and clearing all city and state roadways in the city. Kingsport is not responsible for maintaining the interstates and a section of John B. Dennis Highway. Interstates and ramps are maintained by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. In a Wednesday news release, TDOT said its ice and snow removal teams focus first on clearing interstates, heavily traveled state routes and areas vulnerable to freezing like hills, curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges. If the storm is large, McReynolds said it could take 36 to 48 hours to clear all roads after that last snowflake hits. He encouraged residents to stay in and avoid getting on the roads until they are cleared. "We really appreciate the patience of our community," said McReynolds. "We'd encourage you to stay in until we can get the work done, but really, really do appreciate the patience." Jorgelina Manna-Rea is a Report for America corps member reporting on issues related to the environment for Six Rivers Media.