Jan. 18, 2024

City prepares for second winter storm

The City of Johnson City is monitoring weather conditions with an expected second winter storm set to impact the area Friday and Saturday.

At 12:01 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, Public Works crews will begin operating on the two 12-hour shift rotation applying ice and snow reduction treatments to roadways. Two to three trucks in each of the nine assigned zones will begin brining and clearing roadways. Brine is effective when temperatures are at or above 31 degrees and magnesium chloride is applied when temperatures drop to or below 30 degrees.

“Crews were prepared for the weather systems that rolled in earlier this week,” said Public Works Director Jason Miles. “We will begin operations for this upcoming storm this evening and will maintain this schedule until roads are cleared and the system moves out.”

Snow removal on city sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owner. Only City-owned properties will have sidewalks cleared by city crews.

Water and Sewer Services is closely monitoring the frigid temperatures predicted for Friday evening through the weekend. With single digits projected, residents are encouraged to take action to protect vulnerable pipes from cold temperatures.

“Insulating pipes and other precautionary steps can help save money and hardship associated with bursting water pipes,” said Water and Sewer Services Director Tom Witherspoon.

For a complete list of precautionary tips, view the video on this website for information on frozen pipes. https://www.johnsoncitytn.org/services/prevent_frozen_pipes.php

Homeowners are not the only ones who need to protect their property during frigid temperatures. Business owners need to take special precautions, too.

Businesses should make sure their sprinkler systems are properly maintained and winterized. The Johnson City Fire Department advises business owners to conduct general housekeeping in the riser room which includes making sure doors shut and seal and ensuring heaters work in the area to maintain a temperature of at least 40 degrees. They should also make sure the low point and auxiliary drains are empty before freezing weather and that the system is properly insulated. Businesses should contact their sprinkler contractor with concerns about their system’s functionality and resistance to freezing.

The JCFD says businesses should make sure their alarm companies have the correct emergency callback information. This includes alerting the employees who are on the callback list. They should also make sure the employees on the list have access to sprinkler controls.

For more information about water pipe maintenance, contact Water and Sewer Services at 423-461-1645. For service after business hours or on weekends and holidays, call 423-461-1643.

Please visit https://www.johnsoncitytn.org/ for updates and announcements. You may also find news on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CoJCTN/ or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cojctn.

###