Situation Briefing: Local Officials Share Safety Guidance & A Message From Senator Roberts

ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – The frigid temperatures and icy roads are treaking it tole on resources in Robertson County and officials are reaching out with information and suggestions on how to best endure until this weather system moves past us..

We’ll start out with a message from Senator Kerry Roberts: “As this treacherous weather passes through, we are indebted to our utility workers and first responders for their work in dangerous conditions. Hopefully, the power outages will be restored quickly with the upcoming drop in temperatures.”

The following is from Robertson County EMS Director Brent Dyer. The Millersville Fire Department has notified EMS that Highway 31 along the ridge in Millersville is closed, including to emergency vehicles.

We have also received word that I-65 southbound at the 103-mile marker is closed due to a jackknifed semi blocking all lanes.

Reports indicate that I-65 may soon be closed in both directions. TDOT traffic cameras show a semi crossing the interstate, and traffic is not moving, according to our EMA office.

Throughout the I-65 corridor, there are numerous jackknifed semis and many low hanging trees. Conditions are severe enough that limbs are striking larger vehicles, including ambulances. Even main thoroughfares are becoming impassable. We are concerned that conditions will become even more challenging once the sun goes down this evening.

In Springfield, South Main is an example of a roadway that had enough traffic earlier that it has now become extremely slick and has refrozen solid.

Another paramedic crew has reported that Highway 76 has become impassable for larger emergency vehicles due to low hanging branches and trees. Alternate response units have been deployed.

We are closely monitoring and planning routes for ambulance transports for any patients who need to reach a hospital.

Unless it is absolutely necessary for clinical reasons, we are transporting patients to the closest hospitals that can best meet their needs based on location. We will continue doing our best to ensure that anyone needing our services receives the best care possible.

During our briefing, we were advised that electrical utility officials remain overwhelmed with major issues on main power lines. It may be days before side roads and residential connections are addressed, despite crews working as hard as possible with all hands on deck.

A critical message is for those who are oxygen dependent and use home oxygen equipment. Please use battery backup or generator power if available, and do your best to conserve portable tank reserves. It is possible that normal utilities may not be restored for several more days.

As this situation continues, we are receiving an increasing number of calls for emergency oxygen supply. The portable tanks available for extreme needs will only last so long. In cases where power restoration will be prolonged, individuals requiring oxygen may need to stay with family members who have power, or may need to be transported to the hospital due to the extended need.

For individuals who normally use CPAP devices and do not have an alternate power supply, consider nasal tape strips, careful upright positioning with additional pillows, and keeping the head tilted in a sniffing position to help minimize snoring or obstructive airway issues. We also strongly encourage seeking family members or shelters with electricity, if it is safe to do so. We do not want anyone experiencing medical emergencies related to these complications.

Please use extreme caution regarding falling trees and limbs. If family members are sleeping in rooms near large trees that could potentially fall, consider the risks and make adjustments if possible. When outdoors, remain alert to hazards above, including falling limbs or trees.

Remember to use caution and play safely while sledding.

We are responding to many fall related injuries, some of them serious, so please be careful.

Fire departments across the county are operating nonstop, particularly to clear trees and make areas safe. Many of these firefighters are volunteers who are serving without pay. A huge shout out to these incredible individuals.

Please call 911 only for life threatening emergencies. If needed, we will do our best to reach you safely, but response times will be longer than normal. Keep a close eye on one another. We will get through this together.

Mayor Vogle is in communication with Emergency Management agencies regarding the severe weather conditions affecting Robertson County. Due to hazardous conditions and power outages, the Robertson County Office Building will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

The January County Commission meeting has been postponed and will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Juvenile Courtroom. All January rezoning resolutions will be heard at the regularly scheduled February meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., also in the Juvenile Courtroom.

Mayor Vogle urges everyone to remain safe and use caution during this period of extreme weather.

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