A dangerous stretch of cold weather is settling across much of Tennessee, prompting multiple Cold Weather Advisories from the National Weather Service that remain in effect through Monday. Forecasters warn that prolonged below-freezing temperatures and dangerously low wind chills could pose serious risks to anyone spending extended time outdoors.

According to the National Weather Service, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from midnight tonight through noon Monday for all of Middle Tennessee, including Cumberland, Pickett, and Fentress counties. The region is expected to see below-freezing temperatures lasting up to 36 consecutive hours, with wind chills dropping as low as 3 degrees below zero Sunday morning and single-digit low temperatures possible by Monday morning. Officials say these conditions significantly increase the risk of hypothermia.

In East Tennessee, another advisory is in place from Sunday morning through late Monday morning for counties including Morgan, Blount, Monroe, and Bledsoe. The National Weather Service reports wind chills could plunge to 10 degrees below zero, with the highest elevations in the East Tennessee mountains potentially seeing isolated wind chill values as low as 15 below zero Sunday night. Portions of southwest Virginia are also included in this advisory.

A third Cold Weather Advisory covers parts of East Tennessee and neighboring areas of southwest Virginia and southwest North Carolina from Sunday evening through Monday morning. Counties affected include Blount, Rhea, Meigs, Roane, Loudon, McMinn, and Anderson, where wind chills as low as zero are expected. Forecasters caution that exposure to these temperatures without proper protection could quickly lead to hypothermia.

The National Weather Service urges residents to take precautions by limiting time outdoors, wearing warm layers, hats, and gloves, and using extra care when traveling. Officials also stress the importance of protecting people, pets, and exposed pipes during this extended cold snap.