Mountain City, Tennessee 2:14 PM Weather Partly Cloudy 38 ° / W 5 MPH (El: 2499'- Highest Town in Tennessee)	Neva...7 miles southeast of Mtn. City (El 2300') Sponsored By: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
Forecast Updated: 02/08/10 2:14 PM

McMillan Says That Winter Is Far From Over
- Paula Walter; The Tomahawk

Although winter just began a little over a month ago, the Winter of 2009-2010 has been challenging. Wave after wave of frigid air and snowy weather has seemed to dominate the weather patterns over much of the area.

Bill McMillan, chief forecaster for Mountain City Weather Center, believes "This is the worst winter we've had since 1995-1996." McMillan became infatuated with weather when the Blizzard of 1993 hit much of the eastern United States. McMillan was ten years old at the time.

McMillan created Mountain City Weather Center in 2003. Along with Brandon Massey, Joe Reedy and Josh Burleson, they work tirelessly following weather patterns to bring accurate weather forecasts to Johnson County. "Weather is my passion," said McMillan.

The dedicated crew at Mountain City Weather Center have been exceptionally busy this winter season. According to McMillan, a fading and weakened El Nino has helped to lock in colder and stormier weather into the eastern third of the United States. McMillan believes that the second half of the winter is going to continue to be cold and snowy. This pattern will likely continue through March and possibly into April. A frigid air pattern will dominant our region in mid-February. "This is an amazing weather pattern we are in," McMillan said. He believes that this trend of colder winter weather could continue for the next ten to twenty years. He likened this trend to the winters experienced during the 1960's and 1970's. Even before the first snow flake fell upon our region, Mountain City Weather Center had forecast 55 inches of snow for Mountain City for this winter season. Snowfall amounts notoriously vary throughout the county due to upslope regions.

With promises of a continuing cold and wet winter, preparation is essential. Make sure your vehicle(s) are in good working order. Check the tread on your tires to make sure they do not need replacing. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you should keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes: a shovel, scraper, flashlight, water, snacks, matches, battery-powered radio, blankets, first-aid kit, tow chain or rope, booster cables, emergency flares and a fluorescent distress flag. FEMA also suggests keeping extra hats, gloves and even socks that could be essential in keeping you warm if you become stranded. Kitty litter or sand can help improve traction for your vehicle if needed. Keep your cell phone fully charged at all times.

Preparations at home should include an additional heat source if the electricity goes out, as well as flashlights, candles and matches. Having an emergency power generator with extra gas on hand can help give you some peace of mind. If you can heat with wood, make sure you have plenty available. If you heat with propane, make sure there is a sufficient amount of fuel in your tank. Oil lamps can provide an alternate light source. Make sure your vehicle(s) has plenty of gas. Fill up a bathtub with water for emergency use. Consider having foods that are easy to prepare on hand if you are unable to use your stove or microwave. Keep non-perishable food items in your pantry. Fill up containers with water for drinking. Again, make sure your cell phones are fully charged. Land line telephones do work during a power outage if they are they the type that plug straight into the wall, unlike the hand-held cordless phones. A good book or some favorite board games can always help pass the time.

With the help of Mountain City Weather Center and some preparation, Johnson Countians will be able to weather the remainder of our exceptionally cold and snowy winter. You can visit their website at www.mountaincityweathercenter.com to keep abreast of current weather conditions.

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