TVA Asks KUB Customers to Reduce Power Use to Avoid Service Interruptions

TVA Asks KUB Customers to Reduce Power Use to Avoid Service Interruptions

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Calling the measure “precautionary,” The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking KUB customers to reduce power use amid cold temperatures across East Tennessee.

In a release Tuesday, TVA officials say KUB has been alerted that its power supply is experiencing an increased demand caused by extremely cold temperatures.

Additionally, officials report that KUB and other local power companies have been warned that increased conservation efforts are necessary to extend the available power supply and avoid service interruptions.

“We appreciate our customers joining us in these steps to reduce the strain on TVA’s grid,” Gabriel J. Bolas, president and CEO of KUB, said. “While this is a precautionary measure, it can have a big impact as we work to meet the demand for electricity.”

TVA asked KUB customers to take the following measures:

  • Lower your thermostat as safely and comfortably as possible.
  • Postpone using large electrical appliances such as dishwashers, dryers, and cooking equipment. If you do need to use large appliances, use them during the warmest part of the day when electricity demand is lower.
  • Businesses should minimize lighting and turn off all office equipment that is not in use or necessary.
  • Eliminate all non-essential use of electricity, such as decorative indoor and outdoor lighting used for hallways, walkways, and home patios.

      Customers are also encouraged to visit KUB’s website at www.kub.org for updates and tips to conserve energy.

      Heavy Snow Collapses Docks at Two East Tennessee Marinas

      Heavy Snow Collapses Docks at Two East Tennessee Marinas

      Fort Loudon Marina is now the second marina to see a dock collapse after East Tennessee saw heavy snowfall early this week. (Courtesy: Mayor Tony Aikens)

      Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: Fort Loudon Marina is now the second marina to see a dock collapse after East Tennessee saw heavy snowfall early this week.

      Officials with the Lenoir City Fire Department say several agencies responded to the collapse to conduct evacuations and that no one was injured.

      Lenoir City’s mayor is urging people not to come to the marina to sightsee, allowing emergency personnel to do their work.

      Sun Life’s Concord Marina in West Knox County also saw a collapse due to snow. People are still not allowed near that dock, “Dock D” at Concord. Officials are asking people to avoid the area while crews work the collapse.

      ORIGINAL STORY: A boat dock at Sun Life’s Concord Marina in West Knox County is the latest casualty of severe winter weather in East Tennessee.

      Officials with the marina say heavy snow is responsible for collapsing the top of one of the docks there Monday.

      Heavy snow collapses dock at Sun Life’s Concord Marina (Courtesy: WVLT)

      Officials report the collapse of “Dock D” damaged some of the boats moored at that location; about 25 boats were moored at Dock D.

      According to officials, repairing or replacing the boats are the owners’ responsibility. They add that, at this time, no one is being let near the dock as repair crews will need to wait for warmer weather before working to repair the dock.

      Mobile Meals Cancels Deliveries, Asking for Volunteers to Help

      Mobile Meals Cancels Deliveries, Asking for Volunteers to Help

      Mobile Meals says due to extreme winter weather conditions, they will not be delivering meals today (Tuesday).

      Officials say that congregate dining will also be suspended and seniors who receive Mobile Meals should eat their emergency snow meal in place of their delivery today.

      Staff with Mobile Meals will be available and assisting clients with their needs today and they plan to resume deliveries tomorrow for high-need clients.

      Mobile Meals is asking for volunteers with four-wheel drive who are comfortable driving in the snow starting tomorrow (Wednesday) to help deliver meals and check on seniors well-being.

      Any interested volunteers can text (865) 680-2594 or email [email protected].

      DoorDash to Suspend Operations Across Tennessee Amid Winter Storm

      DoorDash to Suspend Operations Across Tennessee Amid Winter Storm

      DoorDash FILE (Courtesy: AP Photo, File)

      Nashville, TN (WOKI) Officials with DoorDash announce they are suspending operations across parts of Tennessee, including Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville, due to snow showers and icy roadways.

      DoorDash says it has activated its Severe Weather Protocol out of precaution as severe winter storms deliver potentially hazardous “blizzard conditions,” including heavy snow and strong winds.

      DoorDash will suspend operations as of 11:45 p.m. CT Monday, Jan. 15 and will resume at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, but that depends on “evolving weather conditions,” said the company in a media release Monday afternoon.

      “This is a potentially dangerous storm so we’re activating our Severe Weather Protocol to help keep our community in Tennessee safe,” said DoorDash spokesperson Julian Crowley. “We want to thank the affected Dashers, merchants and customers for their understanding during these incredibly difficult weather conditions and look forward to resuming operations when it is safe to do so.”

      DoorDash will continue to closely monitor the conditions and keep in contact with Dashers.

      OTICS USA Announces Changes to 3rd/1st Shift Operations Due to Weather

      OTICS USA Announces Changes to 3rd/1st Shift Operations Due to Weather

      OTICS USA in Morristown (Courtesy: OTICS USA website)

      Morristown, TN (WOKI) Officials with OTICS USA, a machining manufacturer with locations in Kodak and Morristown, announce changes Monday to their 3rd shift and 1st shift operations.

      Due to the inclement weather, OTICS’ 3rd shift operators tonight, Monday, January 15 do not report. First shift operations, tomorrow, Tuesday, January 16 are on a two-hour delay or reporting time of 9:00 a.m.

      Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Still Closed Due to Inclement Weather

      Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Still Closed Due to Inclement Weather

      UPDATE: Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains closed today due to hazardous weather conditions. Park roads are covered with ice and snow. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected throughout today.

      Most park roads are closed including Newfound Gap, Little River, Gatlinburg Bypass, Cherokee Orchard at park boundary, Laurel Creek, Cades Cove Loop, Upper Tremont, Foothills Parkway East & West, Wears Cove Gap, Old NC 284, Lakeview Drive, Greenbrier, Cataloochee Entrance and Tom Branch. All park facilities, including visitor centers, are also closed today.

      Park staff continue to maintain access to the Spur and to Newfound Gap Road from Cherokee to Towstring, and from Gatlinburg to Sugarlands.

      Rangers and road crews will assess conditions and will determine when roads are safe to open. The park will share updates on the park website and social media.

      Original Story: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed today due to current hazardous weather conditions. Most park roads are closed including Newfound Gap, Little River, Gatlinburg Bypass, Cherokee Orchard at park boundary, Laurel Creek, Cades Cove Loop, Upper Tremont, Foothills Parkway East & West, Wears Cove Gap, Old NC 284, Lakeview Drive, Greenbrier, Cataloochee Entrance and Tom Branch. All park facilities, including visitor centers, are also closed today.

      Park staff will continue to maintain access to the Spur and to Newfound Gap Road from Cherokee to Towstring, and from Gatlinburg to Sugarlands.

      Rangers and road crews will assess conditions and will determine when roads are safe to open. The park will share updates on the park website and social media. 

      The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Says the Missing Elderly Man Reported Missing Sunday has Been Found

      The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Says the Missing Elderly Man Reported Missing Sunday has Been Found

      UPDATE: The Knox County Sheriff’s Office says that John Duran who was reported missing after he left his home on Farr Drive to go to Costco yesterday (Sunday) has been found safe.

      ORIGINAL STORY: The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help to find a missing senior adult.

      John Duran is 5’7” tall, 160 lb with gray hair and possibly wears glasses and walks with a cane.

      He left his home on Farr Drive en-route to Costco in a Black 2003 Jaguar with Tennessee handicap tag # PD74349 at approximately 4:30 pm. today (Sunday).

      He was last seen wearing a black jacket, green/gray pants, and brown shoes.

      He also has a tattoo on his forearm, “Dorothy.”

      If you see him, please call 911.

      Knoxville Pre-Treating Roads, Opening Warming Centers as Inclement Weather Moves Into East Tennessee

      Knoxville Pre-Treating Roads, Opening Warming Centers as Inclement Weather Moves Into East Tennessee

      Photo courtesy of WVLT

      The city of Knoxville has prepared for snow and freezing temperatures.

      Mayor Indya Kincannon asking resident not to get out and drive, but says if you do, they are going to make them safe for everyone.

      City crews pre-treat more than 500 miles of roads with salt brine, which is a liquid mix used to lower the freezing point of water to prevent ice from forming.

      Officials have treated all main roads and streets that feed into them.

      For a look at how Knoxville treats roads and which roads are treated, please go to https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_109478/File/PublicService/snowplan.pdf

      Warming centers are open across East Tennessee as snow and frigid temperatures grip our area.

      In Knoxville officials advising those in need of a new initiative with faith-based organizations but volunteers are still in high demand.

      You don’t have to be a member of the congregation to volunteer at these centers:

      Vestal United Methodist Church in South Knoxville

      Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church in East Knoxville

      Cokesbury United Methodist Church in West Knoxville

      To find the nearest open warming shelter, contact the Knoxville Police Department’s non-emergency line at 865-215-4010.