NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Soldiers from Dickson's 267th Military Police Company were on the highway Friday night assisting local authorities with health and welfare checks for stranded motorists along I-40, west of Nashville.
The Soldiers patrolled a 50-mile stretch, both east and west, along the most congested areas. Some motorists were stranded for several hours and the appearance of Soldiers with various supply and comfort items were a welcome sight.
Tennessee Guard Soldiers also manned armories throughout the state to provide a ready reaction force to respond if needed by local authorities. Operations are continuing through Wednesday in some of the hardest hit areas along the Cumberland Plateau where ice and snow downed power lines causing multiple power outages.
A shelter was established at the National Guard armory in Sparta, Tenn. to provide local residents without power a place to stay until it is restored.