Washington County, Tenn. (January 22, 2026 ) - Washington County and Johnson City Emergency Management convened stakeholders from local government, utilities, healthcare, transportation, and private partners today to prepare and plan for a winter weather event expected to impact the region this weekend.
Based on current forecasts, the system may bring snow, ice, and prolonged cold conditions beginning Friday and continuing into Sunday and early next week. The group reviewed weather outlooks, coordinated operational plans, and aligned public safety messaging to support a unified response.
Planning efforts focused on:
Road treatment and transportation readiness
Emergency communications and public alerts
Utility coordination and outage response
Warming options and community support needs
Staffing and resource readiness across agencies
Mayor Joe Grandy emphasized the importance of preparation ahead of the event, stating, “We have no control of the weather but we take pride in our preparedness.”
Emergency management officials urge residents to take steps now to get ready, including limiting unnecessary travel during periods of impact, keeping basic supplies on hand, and checking on neighbors who may need assistance.
Residents who are oxygen dependent or rely on life-sustaining medical equipment should prepare now. Have backup oxygen supplies, charged batteries, and alternate power options ready in case of outages or access issues.
The community is encouraged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service Morristown, local social media platforms, and all official government and emergency management channels as conditions change.
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