Scott County slammed by Winter Weather
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Scott County slammed by Winter Weather
By Shane Gilreath
SCN Contributing Editor
[email protected]
While predictions of a foot of snow did not matriculate, the snow and ice combination was enough to bring East Tennessee to a screeching standstill, as Scott County officials moved quickly to prepare for deteriorating winter conditions.
Ahead of what was hyped as an historic storm, Governor Bill Lee issued a preemptive state of emergency across Tennessee – an act that was mimicked by governors in surrounding states – prompting counties to activate winter weather plans. In Scott County, emergency personnel began staging resources and coordinating responses as forecasts worsened. Among those involved was newly hired Emergency Management Agency Director Daniel Crowley, who found himself facing a major weather event on his very first day on the job on Friday.
County Mayor Jerried Jeffers said the county approached the situation with its usual measured caution. Speaking to SCN during the preparation phase at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting, Jeffers expressed confidence in both Crowley and the community-at-large, noting Scott County’s long tradition of neighbors helping neighbors during difficult 
times.
As conditions worsened, Jeffers announced that emergency services would shift into winter weather event status. “All calls will be answered, but will be prioritized on severity,” he said, adding that response times could vary depending on road conditions and the evolving weather.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office also adjusted its operations in response to the storm. Sheriff Brian Keeton emphasized the importance of limiting travel during the hazardous conditions. “Due to the incoming winter weather and the potential for snow throughout the weekend, the Sheriff’s Office will be responding to emergency traffic calls only during this time,” Keeton stated.
He strongly urged residents to stay home unless travel was absolutely necessary, warning that road conditions could become dangerous quickly. Like Jeffers, Keeton also encouraged residents to take precautions, check on elderly neighbors if it was safe to do so, and continue monitoring local weather updates.
County officials reiterated that public cooperation plays a vital role during severe weather events, helping ensure both community members and first responders remain safe as winter conditions persist.
