Tennessee Braces for Prolonged Freeze and Frigid Nights

Issue #329

18 Jan

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☁️ Columbia’s Sunday Weather - Scattered showers w/ high of 33 / low of 11.

🥶 Tennessee Braces for Prolonged Freeze and Frigid Nights

🧑‍🚒 Columbia Fire & Rescue Showcases New SCBA Masks

📰 Bear Creek Fire Station Project Faces Pushback Over $6M Estimate

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Sunday, January 19th

Monday, January 20th

Tuesday, January 21st

Wednesday, January 22nd

*More Events Coming Soon!

Tennessee Braces for Prolonged Freeze and Frigid Nights

Tennessee is bracing for a significant drop in temperatures as a polar vortex sweeps across much of the U.S. The arctic air mass will bring freezing conditions to the Midwest, East Coast, and parts of the Southeast, including Tennessee, where temperatures are expected to plummet this weekend and remain frigid into the next week.

The National Weather Service has warned of bitterly cold temperatures beginning Sunday, with nighttime lows dipping into the teens and daytime highs struggling to rise above the 20s and 30s. Middle and East Tennessee may see light snow flurries on Saturday, but rain will be the primary form of precipitation statewide starting Friday night. The cold air will follow closely behind the rain, dropping temperatures to below freezing by Saturday night.

The polar vortex is a massive, circular system of cold air located high in the atmosphere, typically spinning over the North Pole. This natural phenomenon is most active during winter, usually confining the coldest temperatures to the polar regions. However, when the polar vortex weakens or splits, it can allow extremely cold air to shift southward into areas like the United States.

Arctic air masses, by contrast, form over the Arctic or Antarctic regions and are characterized by their intense cold. These air masses occasionally move into lower latitudes, bringing frigid temperatures. While Arctic air is colder than polar air, the polar vortex itself is a vast low-pressure system of cold air that surrounds both of the Earth's poles and remains a constant presence near these regions.

The cold weather increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, especially for those exposed to the elements. The National Weather Service advises wearing layered, warm clothing, including hats and mittens, and taking precautions to protect homes, vehicles, pets, and livestock from extreme cold. Additional measures include checking forecasts regularly, avoiding outdoor activities during the coldest hours, and ensuring water pipes, crops, and vehicles are safeguarded against freezing.

Stay safe out there Columbia!

Columbia Fire & Rescue Showcases New SCBA Masks

From City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

Fire Chief Cummins recently presented Columbia Fire & Rescue, Tennessee’s new SCBA masks to City Council, showcasing an exciting upgrade for our local firefighters.

The new masks offer:

-Enhanced Safety: An integrated Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) helps firefighters navigate dark, smoke-filled environments.

-Improved Communication: Clear, loud communication with noise cancellation ensures vital commands are heard in the most challenging situations.

-Better Visibility: 360-degree buddy lights and reflective straps increase safety and awareness.

-Comfort & Efficiency: A lightweight design with low breathing resistance makes these masks easier to wear during high-pressure situations.

These upgrades are a big step forward in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Columbia's first responders.

Bear Creek Fire Station Project Faces Pushback Over $6M Estimate

The proposed construction of a new fire station on Bear Creek Pike sparked debate during a recent Maury County budget committee meeting, with concerns centered on the project’s cost. The station is planned for the former Marcy Jo's Mealhouse site near Bear Creek and Highway 431, and discussions included a $147,700 architectural design contract with 906 Studio, PLLC.

Committee members raised questions about the project's estimated cost, which ranges from $4 million to $6 million, significantly higher than the $1.8 million cost of other recent fire stations in the area. The proposed design includes a two-story wood-frame firehouse and a 6,420-square-foot metal apparatus bay.

County officials suggested that factors such as land conditions or a larger building design might explain the higher estimate. However, the lack of detailed information led to concerns about moving forward with the architectural contract before understanding the full scope and cost of the project.

The resolution to approve the contract was ultimately referred back to the Maury County Building Committee for further evaluation and additional details.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, January 18th

Andy Liter & the Lite Beers, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Kenny Durham Trio, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Polly's Pocket, Fozzy's Bar & Grill. 8-11 PM

Sunday, January 19th

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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