President Donald J. Trump has approved an Emergency Declaration for Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee confirmed, to help the state respond to an incoming winter storm. The declaration, requested in advance of the storm, covers all 95 counties.
“As state and local law enforcement, first responders, and road crews continue responding to the winter weather conditions, the Emergency Declaration will support further coordination of resources,” Gov. Bill Lee said in a statement. He also thanked the Trump administration for making federal resources available to Tennesseans in need, according to a Tennessee news release.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is coordinating with state and local partners and monitoring forecasts, planning efforts, and resource needs, according to the news release. Officials said the agency is prepared to respond quickly if conditions worsen.
According to the Tennessee news release, with the Emergency Declaration in place, the state is equipped with a vital safety net that supplements its response initiatives. "This emergency declaration ensures Tennessee has the support needed to respond swiftly to this winter weather event," TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan told the office of the governor. While the declaration assures support, state and local personnel persist in assessing the ongoing conditions and corresponding impacts, reinforcing the state's resolve to weather this stormy challenge.
