The snowfall was heavy, yet drier which meant utilities were spared major problems.
Emergency managers met Sunday afternoon to discuss a battle plan for what National Weather Service predicted.
Officially at the Cleveland-Bradley County Emergency Operations Center, 7.5 inches had fallen by 8 a.m., according to EMA Director Troy Spence.
During the Sunday meeting and discussion with Morristown NWS, members of law enforcement, utilities, medical and both fire agencies were present as well as public works and county road officials.
“After consultation with EMA, both Cleveland and Bradley County Schools were closed for Monday,” according to Matthew Cason, administrative officer at EMA.
Spence said the snow fell quickly, hampering cleanup efforts by road crews.
Both Cleveland Utilities Electric and Water divisions and Volunteer Energy Cooperative officials said no problems had been reported throughout the initial storm.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed,” said Robert McCarty of VEC.
Craig Mullinax of CU’s Water Division said all was OK with water service as well.
Bradley County 911 dispatchers had a fairly easy morning as residents stayed in and didn’t brave conditions, but one dispatcher offered, “We’re waiting.”
Bradley and Cleveland government officials also suspended the workday, shutting down offices for the first time in several years, according to Spence.
Capt. Mike Boggess, Chief Deputy Wayne Bird, Sheriff Jim Ruth and other members of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office prepared extra patrol vehicles and outfitted them with studded tires.
“We had everything ready Friday evening when we left,” said Boggess late Sunday evening.
A number of four-wheel drive SUVs and patrol cars were outfitted with tires.
Boggess said this morning that patrol cars were having problems with the depth of the snow and additional 4-wheel drives were acquired.
Cleveland Police were also out in force this morning, driving four-wheel drive vehicles.
Officers helped some stranded Canadian travelers whose vehicle became stuck on 25th Street between the Cleveland Daily Banner offices and Raceway convenience store.
Officials remain optimistic about the remainder of the day, but the NWS forecast calls for temperatures to remain near or below freezing.
Additional accumulation is possible today and tonight with a chance of snow and freezing rain or sleet. Skies will remain overcast. Tuesday, snow showers will be possible before noon and then even additional chances later in the day.
EMA officials said any melting today could pose greater danger for residents and motorists tonight and Tuesday.
Any melted snow will refreeze overnight as the low is expected to be 29 degrees.
“Stay put if at all possible,” said Spence.
A Winter Storm Warning continues through 7 p.m. today.
Anyone having power outages should call proper utilities, not 911, according to officials. CU’s Emergency number is 479-6000. VEC customers can call 476-6571.
