Tennessee Highway Patrol Responds to Hundreds of Crashes During Winter Storm

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The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reported assisting more than 1,660 motorists and responding to 3,514 calls during Winter Storm Fern, which hit the state early Saturday morning. The calls included 484 vehicle crashes, 198 abandoned vehicles, and 326 roadway obstructions, mostly caused by downed trees. The THP also conducted 65 welfare checks and reported two vehicle fires and two roadway fatalities, though it's unclear if the fatalities were directly caused by the weather conditions.

Why it matters

Winter storms can create dangerous driving conditions and lead to a significant increase in accidents, stranded motorists, and other public safety issues. The THP's response highlights the challenges faced by authorities during severe weather events and the importance of heeding warnings to avoid unnecessary travel.

The details

According to the THP press release, officers responded to 3,514 calls in less than five days, including 484 vehicle crashes, 198 abandoned vehicles, and 326 roadway obstructions. The agency also assisted 1,660 motorists and conducted 65 welfare checks on people who had not been heard from since the storm began.

• The winter storm hit Tennessee early Saturday morning.
• The THP press release was issued on Wednesday.

What’s next

The THP is working to determine whether the two reported roadway fatalities were directly caused by the winter storm conditions.