The rain starts falling in Knoxville

At the live shot - waiting for the parking lot to freeze.

Covering winter weather means being prepared. Photographer Jacob Haskew may have started the day in sandals, but now he's donned the ice cleats

Cobblestones turn to ice under Conroy Delouche's feet

Jacob and Sharee set up for their live shot just before the rain arrives

The tripod starts icing over as Conroy Delouche sets up for his live shot.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- East Tennessee ground to a virtual halt for many people as rain and iced gripped the region on Friday.

The rain began around 4:00 a.m. for folks along the plateau. Eventually bringing between a tenth and a quarter inch of rain, much of which quickly froze and made roads and sidewalks extremely slick.

Temperatures were expected to rise into the afternoon, limiting the opportunities for ice to accumulate. But, some rain and snow showers are still possible.

Bridges and overpasses in East Knoxville iced over, according to KPD spokesperson Darrell DeBusk. He also said secondary roads in South Knoxville are experienced problems.

The Knox Co. Sheriff's Office said it would only respond to accidents with injury and emergency calls.

In Morgan Co., officials have closed Wartburg Mountain (Old Hwy. 27) and are reporting ice on Montgomery Rd., Rome Rd., Hwy. 62, and Hwy. 27. They asking anyone in an accident to exchange information, unless someone is hurt.

Morristown authorities are also saying they will not respond to minor traffic accidents in which no one was hurt. The drivers involved will have 72 hours to file a crash report.

The Local 8 Weather team says with temperatures rising above 32 degrees this afternoon, look for the icy conditions to improve as we transition toward just plain rain showers. Showers taper and clouds decrease tonight with some patchy fog by morning. With a low of 26 degrees, any moisture still around will only refreeze. Be careful.

So in case you do lose power and crews aren't able to get it restored quickly you'll want to make sure you're stocked up on all of the supplies you'll need to make it through the next few days. See map below for a list of Red Cross Emergency Shelter.

Supplies for Wintry Storm Safety:

• 3-Day supply of water for each person


• 3-Day supply of non-perishable food


• Flashlight


• Well-stocked first aid kit


• 7-day supply of medication


• supplies for your babies and pets

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