Road conditions improved in Nashville area, warm up expected Thursday
Natalie Neysa Alund
Road conditions improved in the greater Nashville area Wednesday and temperatures are expected to rise into the weekend after snow blanketed the Middle Tennessee region Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
The inclement weather closed schools, offices and businesses.
The National Weather Service in Nashville expected that temperatures would climb Thursday to 37 degrees, with sunny skies: "Finally above freezing," said meteorologist Matt Reagan.
The warming trend is expected to continue through the weekend, with highs in the 50s Saturday and Sunday, and mostly cloudy conditions.
Although main roads throughout downtown Nashville and highways were passable Wednesday, many roads in counties northwest of the city, including Montgomery and Stewart, were icy. The Tennessee Highway Patrol asked people not to drive unless necessary.
Drivers are encouraged to check smartway.tn.gov for up-to-date traffic information across the state.
Snow flurries were spotted Wednesday in some parts of the region including Nashville, Brentwood and Clarksville.
"It's the last bit of moisture being wrung out from the clouds," NWS meteorologist Faith Borden said. "It's cold, but it' is going to warm up."
Rain is expected beginning Sunday night.
On Wednesday, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry said cold weather shelters increased their capacity.
The Room In The Inn, which serves the city's homeless community, was open all day with extended beds on site, according to Barry. The Nashville Rescue Mission, at 639 Lafayette St., also had extended hours Wednesday.
According to the Metro Nashville Department of Public Works, trash and recycling routes across the city were being serviced Wednesday at drivers' discretion. Anything not collected Wednesday would be serviced on Saturday and Sunday.
Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.