CLARKSVILLE-MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County and Clarksville City government offices will remain closed for another day Wednesday as the community deals with an ongoing winter storm and hazardous travel conditions.
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett announced the closing Tuesday afternoon after meeting with emergency management, highway department and public safety officials.
While City, County and State road crews have made progress clearing thoroughfares and main routes, many side roads and neighborhood streets remain covered in ice and snow. With more snow and bitterly cold temperatures in the forecast for Wednesday, the mayors decided to close government offices at least another day and urge residents to stay home and off the roadways.
“From a facilities standpoint, like the parking lots at Veterans Plaza, we’re in pretty good shape,” County Mayor Durrett said. “But I’m concerned about people getting out of their neighborhoods and into work.”
Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy John Smith reported County secondary roads remained snow and ice-covered at midday. “I definitely agree with the idea to keep travel ‘low and slow,’ especially with more snow on the way,” he said.
“We’re getting more roads cleared, but we’ll have black ice in the parking lots, with the chance of getting somebody hurt coming to our buildings,” City Mayor Pitts said. “Out of an abundance of caution, let’s close on Wednesday and urge people to stay home and stay off the roads another day.”
Clarksville Police Chief David Crockarell said his department worked at least 30 traffic crashes on City roads in the past 24-hour period. The Sheriff’s Office reported seven crashes during that time.
“They were all weather-related, but most were minor with no major injuries,” Crockarell said. “That’s not a bad number, given conditions like these, which shows people are taking the advice to not travel.”
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for the area on Wednesday and Thursday. Another round of wintry weather is expected, with ice and snow accumulations of 2-4 inches or more possible. Forecast details are at http://bit.ly/3rDyIAI.
Here are some details for specific governmental operations:
The Tennessee Department of Health has closed its COVID-19 vaccination sites in northern and western Tennessee counties, including Montgomery County, on Wednesday, Feb. 17. TDH will contact anyone who had an appointment to reschedule their COVID-19 vaccination.
Bi-County Solid Waste Management will open the main landfill and convenience center on Dover Road, the demolition landfill on Guthrie Highway and the transfer station on Highway Drive on Wednesday. Four convenience centers, Arcata, Bo Peep, Ferry Road and Sango will open at noon. The other centers will remain closed on Wednesday.
CDE Lightband’s lobby will remain open until 3 p.m. Wednesday, but customers are urged to use phone and online systems to reach the utility when possible. In the event of a service outage, customers should call (931) 648-8151. Customers can go online at https://cdelightband.com/customer-service/ for service and bill paying information.
Clarksville Gas & Water administration and engineering offices, including customer service centers, will be closed Tuesday. On-call personnel will be available to address emergency situations as they arise. Call (931) 645-0116 for gas, water or sewer emergencies. The Utility Billing Line, (931) 645-7400, and WebConnect, online payment feature, are available for customer payments. Payment drop boxes are also available around the clock at customer service centers at 2215 Madison St. and 2015 Fort Campbell Blvd.
Here’s some information to help you navigate this winter storm:
To keep up-to-date with road conditions and see traffic cameras, go to www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic . Also, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department shares the status on winter road conditions throughout Clarksville, Montgomery County several times a day on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcsotn