A snowball’s throw away from downtown Knoxville’s ode to energy − the only thing resembling sunshine Jan. 10 − Mabel Vinson scrapes together powdery snow from a bridge above World’s Fair Park and packs it into a sphere like the one towering behind her. The friendly slinging of snow that ensued was just a snapshot of the fun happening all around the city, from a South Knoxville snow angel being made in the street (watch below) to hills across town being conquered by nervous parents and daredevil kids on saucers and sleds.
When snow begins, Knoxville knows how to have fun
Knoxville’s neighbors in Oak Ridge are getting snowed on, too
Photo:
Some people are just built different. What’s your secret, Oak Ridge? A jog around Melton Lake Park when Hallmark-esque scenes are happening around you? I guess it’s one of the cool things about snow around here. No one cares if it’s the “right” slipperiness for sledding or solidity for snowmen. If it’s snowing in East Tennessee, it’s a winter wonderland, and we will always find ways to have fun − even if it’s exercise. But no driving unless absolutely necessary, emergency officials are warning. Just cozy up and enjoy the weather! Jan. 11 will be the first day we wake up to snow on the ground in Knoxville this season. Check the latest road conditions if you must leave home.
Snow day inspiration: See our photos of snowmen, forts and other cool creations
Scruffy City streets from the plow’s perspective
Remember the “snowmageddon” of January 2024? Anthony Burgin, a nine-year employee of the city’s public works department, was out there helping to clear Knoxville streets. On Jan. 10, he was back at it again.
Inviting our very own Allie Feinberg and Caitie McMekin aboard a plow truck for a ride around town, Burgin compared the large flakes colliding with his windshield to a scene out of “Star Wars.”
Left: A Tennessee Department of Transportation truck plows Kingston Pike on Jan. 10. Right: Anthony Burgin of the city’s public works department invites Knox News reporter Allie Feinberg aboard his plow truck to get a unique view of city streets as they’re being cleared.
Grab your sleds: This is the fun that awaits outside in Knoxville
Sled, shovel supply is low in Knoxville: Check out these fun alternatives!
Watch your step … it’s slippery out there, Knoxville!
The intersection of Clinch Avenue and Walnut Street begins to accumulate snow, as a handful of cars and pedestrians brave downtown streets and sidewalks Jan. 10.
People cross the Kroger parking lot in Bearden on Jan. 10 as businesses across Knoxville begin closing early and adjusting hours as snowfall increases. You better have a plan if you don’t have groceries to last you through the weekend, and snow shovels and sleds are in short supply around town.
Knoxville businesses close early: Get the latest updates on grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and more
We’re not the only ones enjoying Knoxville’s first snow of the season
See all the snowy scenes from Knoxville and East Tennessee
As people called to cancel appointments with doctors and barbers and bankers − and as stores began shutting down early to get employees home safe − drivers were out before the roads got too icy, accomplishing last-minute snow chores.
Those who stayed or came home, including our own journalists, grabbed their phones and pressed record as the Knox County landscape turned from green to white. Watch some of the early snowfall scenes and check out all of our first-day snow photos, below!
Ryan Wilusz is the business growth and development editor. Phone 865-317-5138. Email ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Instagram @knoxscruff.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at subscribe.knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville snow photos show East Tennessee flurry of fun to begin 2025