Relentless rain, wind just the beginning of weather roller coaster for Chattanooga

The Rescue Squad arrives at the scene of a fuel tanker truck wreck in Tennessee this morning.
The Rescue Squad arrives at the scene of a fuel tanker truck wreck in Tennessee this morning.
photo The Rescue Squad arrives at the scene of a fuel tanker truck wreck in Tennessee this morning.
photo Five-day forecast

Preparing for cold weather

With winter on its way, now’s the time to prepare for the cold. Here are some tips:Winterize your carCheck or have a mechanic check the following on your car:› Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient.› Battery and ignition systems should be in top condition, and battery terminals should be clean.› Be sure heater and defroster work.› Check oil for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.Winterize your house› Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.› Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.› Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside.› Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk as people turn to alternative heating sources.Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

photo Tony Reavley, director of emergency services for Hamilton County, speaks at the Hamilton County Emergency Operations Center Tuesday about preparations for inclement winter weather.

It's here.

Chattanooga has transitioned into that pick-your-poison, cusp-of-winter weather pattern.

In the near term, what's ahead will swing between weather that is mild, but really wet, and sunny, but cold.

The good news for today is that high temperatures during the day will be mild - somewhere in the mid- to upper 60s.

The bad news? Forecasters say the chance of rain is a solid 100 percent with winds gusting up to 35 mph. Two inches of rain and then some are expected.

"It will be a wet, gusty, blustery, breezy day," was the bleak assessment for today from Derek Eisentrout, a National Weather Service meteorologist with the Morristown, Tenn., office.

Commuters take note: heavy rains could cause high water in flood-prone roadways; slow down and keep your guard up.

Tonight, the lows are expected to be in the mid-40s.

Expected in the wake of the storm is ample sunshine for Thursday and Friday, but it comes with a price. Temperatures are expected to drop steadily through to the weekend.

Saturday is a mixed bag of clouds and showers.

Sunday?

Brrrrr.

Get out your windshield scrapers and have your gloves at hand.

The forecast is sunny, but with a high in the low 40s and a low around 26. That frost bullet the area dodged last weekend will turn into a full hit overnight Saturday into Sunday.

Frost will blanket the entire metro area, Eisentrout said.

The forecast was no surprise for Paul Barys, chief meteorologist at WRCB Channel 3, whose own forecast tracked with the National Weather Service's.

He called the transitional period we're in "secondary severe weather season."

"It's a roller coaster," Barys concluded.

Whatever the forecast, the business of colder weather is amping up as the mercury falls.

Scott Kelly, who works in the service department at Reliable Heating and Air Conditioning in Chattanooga, said he and his crews are bracing for more calls like those that began rolling in last weekend, when the temperatures dipped and people began noticing heating problems.

"It usually happens reactive rather than proactive," he said.

Contact staff writer Terri Likens at tlikens@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6597.

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