#Chattanooga Traffic

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

As of 11:20 PM EST, the semi-trailer that was on its right side in the middle of I-75 southbound has been righted and is getting hooked up to the tow truck. TDOT reporting that I-75S traffic is still being routed off the interstate at Paul Huff Pkwy NW.

[relaxedstyles]

[lost-boy-into-the-upper-heavenly]

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 exits Missionary Ridge Tunnel as it approaches East Chattanooga, Tennessee with a trainload of passengers, on April 28th, 2024.

According to Wikipedia: Southern Railway 630 is a 2-8-0 "Consolidation" type steam locomotive built in February 1904 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Richmond, Virginia for the Southern Railway as a member of the Ks-1 class. It is currently owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee where it resides today for use on excursion trains.

According to the Tennessee River Valley Tourism site: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's passenger trains run on an historic route which includes Missionary Ridge Tunnel, completed in 1858 and on the National Register of Historic Places. The tunnel is the primary reason TVRM runs on the three-mile section of the former Southern Railway. As railroad equipment grew too large to pass through, the single-track tunnel became a traffic jam for an other wise double-track railroad. Southern Railway abandoned the three-mile portion of the line and built a new section around the end of Missionary Ridge, avoiding the tunnel altogether. TVRM restored rails through the tunnel in 1971 and continues to use the pre-Civil War Tunnel daily.

#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography #PassengerTrain #TennesseeValleyRailroadMuseum #TennesseeTrains #steamtrain #tvrm

[writingquestionsanswered]

I’m writing a story that takes place in my home city of Atlanta. The main character is a student who is new to the environment as a university freshman from out of state. I want to make her interactions with the landscape feel natural and not “touristy” if that makes sense. I don’t want for her to just be like “oh wow, the traffic here is terrible; it must be because of all the [insert forced info/history dump here]”. How can I avoid this? Thanks for your help.

Out of Town College Student

Unless the character comes from a similarly area/city or has been to Atlanta on previous occasions, you probably want them to be a little touristy, at least at first. I wonder if it's less that you want them to appear "touristy" and more that you don't want to repeat the usual out-of-towner cliches? Which, in that case, I think you can think about some of the less cliche things that might stand out to your character on that level. Some things I noticed on my first visits: it was so green! So many trees! Beautiful parks, too. Quite a lot of diversity and cultural vibrancy. I didn't know until I visited that they had a rapid transit system. The proximity to other places is great, too... an hour and a half to Helen, two hours to Chattanooga, three hours to Asheville, four hours to Savannah and the Golden Isles, five hours to Charleston, six hours to the Florida panhandle... So, that said, I think you can avoid the cringey "tourist" aspect by just having her notice less cliche things.

I hope that helps!

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I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

♦ Questions that violate my ask policies will be deleted! ♦ Please see my master list of top posts before asking ♦ Learn more about WQA here

[p-s-smith-author]

An Accident with Reactor 1

A link to one of my stories

An Accident with Reactor 1 https://patrickssmithauthor.wordpress.com/2022/11/06/an-accident-with-reactor-1/

Friday, Day 1:

I was at the doctor’s office with my daughter for a follow up on her arm where she broke it. Six weeks, two emergency room visits, countless x-rays and a surgery to fix where she had broken both the radius and ulna in her right arm. I guess swimming the backstroke isn’t her cup of tea.

Fortunately, everything was healing well and her physical therapy was proceeding as scheduled.

While I was waiting, I took a quick scan of the news and saw a blurb about rolling black outs from Atlanta to Charlotte. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the article and started to watch it. Evidently, one of the nuclear reactors at a power plant in Gaffney has gone offline.

I started bouncing my leg nervously as I watched the news cast.

According to the news, around 5:30 am, there was an anomaly with reactor one at the plant. A spokesman for the plant claimed there were no fatalities and no immediate threat to the communities nearby, though the news showed several ambulances leaving the plant, lights and sirens on.

During the press conference, several reporters tried pressing the spokesman for more information. They kept asking if there was a danger of containment breach, radiation leaks or public health risks to the surrounding communities. Each time, the spokesman kept repeating the same answers he had already given.

Even though I was several hours from Gaffney, my mind started wandering to nightmare scenarios. Charlotte was an hour west of the plant. What would happen to the people there?

Throughout the broadcast, I felt like the audio was off, as if it didn’t sound quite right. One reporter, who I was familiar with, sounded different from what I remembered. “Must be a bad mic,” I thought to myself.

As I started to look for more on this incident, my daughter came out to the lobby. “Everything is good, and no more brace,” she said, holding up her arm.

We checked out and got a school excuse for her before leaving to take her back to school.

As we’re driving to her school, I said to her, “I guess we’re not going to Chattanooga tomorrow. Traffic in Atlanta is going to be a mess.” I then explain to her why.

Saturday, Day 2:

My daughter and I had planned to go to Chattanooga to visit the railroad museum and get some items for our train layout. Even though we were not going to Chattanooga, I still got up early. Just because I canceled the trip didn’t mean we couldn’t shop. 

After putting coffee on, I went to my office to do a little shopping online.

While I was looking at things, I turned the TV on, just for a little background noise, not paying attention to what channel it was on. 

I just finished selecting some track segments for our new addition when I realized I’ve had the news on. 

It is an update on the reactor incident.

Since the incident, government officials had arrived and started their investigation and setting up monitoring equipment. They were giving some statement and again there was a problem with the audio from the site as the woman’s voice sounded a little high-pitched. She said that there may have been an initial leak of radiation, but currently all readings were normal. She also said that though the other three reactors were undamaged, plant officials powered them down as a safety measure.

The news feed then cut to the scene outside the plant grounds. A large number of people were outside the gates protesting. Some protesters wore plastic rain gear made to look like some sort of bio-suit. They were holding signs proclaiming this was another Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, or Fukushima. The audio here was odd, but not as bad as the audio from the press conference on the plant grounds.

While the news was giving an update on the situation with the reactor, my wife came into the office. She stood at the doorway watching the TV with me. When the newscast went on to the next segment, she asked, “That’s horrible. Do you think we are in danger here?”

I had to think for a few minutes before answering her. “I don’t think so. We’re like two-hundred fifty miles away and they are north east of us. That is not to say that if they evacuate, people might flee here.”

“So I take it we’re not going to Chattanooga then?”

“I expect Atlanta will be a nightmare, so no.”

She sighed then said, “Then I’ll let the kids sleep in then.”

Throughout the day, I kept checking the news. I didn’t let my wife know at the time, but I was a little concerned. I knew vaguely about Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima and really didn’t trust the information I was seeing on the news. As the day wore on, people talking on site seemed to have more and more of a higher pitch to them.

Sunday, Day 3:

I checked the news several times during the day. Each time, I became more uncertain about the situation in Gaffney. The change in the pitch of people’s voices in the area set my nerves on edge.

Some residents in the area had evacuated while some had started looting. Civic leaders had called a town hall meeting to reassure the people that they were safe. This did little to reassure the public as they kept screaming at the politicians, blaming them for campaigning for a “death factory.”

In the early hours of the morning, protestors outside the plant had tried to break into the plant. One of the protestors said they wanted to take over the control rooms and destroy them so the undamaged reactors couldn’t be restarted.

“Idiots,” I say out loud. Just because a nuclear reactor is shut down, does not mean it’s safe.

In response, the governor of South Carolina had called up the National Guard as additional security at the plant.

Elsewhere, outside of other nuclear plants in the country, protestors had started gathering, demanding that they shut down.

There was one piece of good news. Or at least something close to being good news. The President was flying in to tour the plant and inspect things herself. 

I know that before becoming a governor and then the President, she had managed a research company and had a solid background in science. However, I couldn’t help but feel this was some grand stand by her, unlike President Carter, who had a background in nuclear plants.

By the time I went to bed that night, I had decided I was going to evacuate to my parent’s home in Tulsa. I’d let my wife know in the morning and start making the arrangements.

Monday, Day 4:

The next morning, before I told my wife my plan, she told me she’d feel better if we left and went to Rock Hill to be with her parents.

“No, we need to head west. If there is any danger, we don’t want to be downwind of the plant. Just let work know what is going on and you need to work remotely for a while. I’ll call my parents and start making the other arrangements and packing. I want to be out of here this evening if possible,” I said to her.

She agreed with this and got the kids off to school, totally unaware of what was going on.

I had the news on in the office while I was preparing to leave. At about 9 am, the news broke to the President giving a statement about the incident.

When she stepped up to the podium, she had this look of someone who was about to try to make a hard sell. It didn’t bolster any confidence in me. But when she spoke, she spoke with an air of confidence, as if she was telling someone an immutable fact, like water is wet.

I listened intently as she described the situation in an artificial chipmunk like voice.

According to her, on Friday morning, reactor number one had a power fluctuation that caused a containment breach. This breach released a momentary burst of radiation that lasted less than a millisecond, and luckily, was directed skyward. Once the breach occurred, the reactor by design shutdown as it could not sustain the nuclear reaction. However, the initial incident caused the main shutoff valve on the liquid hydrogen fuel tank to rupture and the plant was venting hydrogen into the atmosphere uncontrollably.

The four individuals taken to the hospital on Friday suffered mainly bumps and bruises when the breach occurred and they released three on Friday to go home. The fourth individual fractured their collar bone, which required surgery, but was expected to be released that afternoon.

She explained that there was no danger of further radiation leaks from the damaged reactor. The plant in Gaffney was a fusion plant rather than a fission plant like Three Mile Island. The plant here made electricity by taking hydrogen and converting it to helium the same way the sun does. There are no radioactive by-products or waste and the plant only generates radiation when the reactors are operating.

The biggest concern now was the leaking hydrogen igniting. Engineers were trying to devise a way to seal the leak, but extreme cold of the liquid hydrogen would make things difficult.

Before turning the podium over to the next speaker, she informed everyone that the only current health risk is oxygen deprivation from the hydrogen and people talking in a funny voice like you get when sucking the helium out of a balloon.

[pithypepper]

I spent the majority of the weekend with K. ::swoon::

I don’t want to go back to real life tomorrow, but I’m not independently wealthy so... My birthday is Wednesday, and I don’t have any plans. I wanted to ask K to take me to dinner, but we’re celebrating with family on Saturday, and we spent so much money this weekend. Plus, at some point we’ll take a day trip to Chattanooga. I know we’d have dinner at one of our homes if we lived closer, but on a weeknight we’re an hour-fifteen away with traffic. So I’ll likely spend my birthday without seeing anyone at all, since I am WFH this week. Adulting sucks. 😬

[gcountertop]

Are granite countertops good? Granite countertops are widely regarded as an excellent choice for kitchen surfaces, and for good reason. Renowned for their durability, resilience, and aesthetic appeal, granite countertops have become a popular option in modern homes. Granite is a natural stone formed deep within the Earth, making each countertop unique with its own distinct patterns and colors. One of the key advantages of granite is its resistance to heat, scratches, and stains, making it an ideal surface for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Additionally, granite requires minimal maintenance and is relatively easy to clean with mild soap and water. While the initial cost of installing granite countertops may be higher compared to other materials, many homeowners consider it a worthwhile investment due to its longevity and timeless beauty. Ultimately, the enduring popularity of granite countertops is a testament to their overall quality and performance in the realm of kitchen design. Link: https://granitecountertopwarehouse.com/ Call: +16782034852 Visit: Acworth: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKzQw4CtiRiYkJNd8 Chattanooga: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TqBzGJJvgszzyeVG8 Nashville: https://maps.app.goo.gl/L2ZaksrjWD63hk697

[fallenfirechild]

We DID this. Had the greatest of plans- drive to the store furthest away, Mebane. However, our amazing driver got tired so we adjusted our plans a little and stayed in Winston-Salem. We would start there, head to Mebane and then go back to TN. Staying in Winston Salem turned out to be the best thing we could have done. We went to the store in WS and arrived at about 8:15(it opened at 8). There was already a line the length of the parking lot. For most of those folks, this was their second stop. Turns out, ALOT of people had my original idea and started at Mebane. Was told that you couldn't get a hotel room, people started lining up at 5, they opened up at 6:30, ran out of passports and line was an hour wait. We did not to wait long as they opened two separate lines for those with or without passports and ours was much shorter. We are then heading to Mebane thinking it may have settled down. A FB group let us know that was not the case. The line was now 2 hrs waiting, there was no parking, police were called and cars were being towed. Traffic was backed up on the interstate and they were telling people not to go. That WS would give us our second stamp. So we turned around. Went back to WS and did get our stamp and a credit for the T-shirt that they had run out of. We headed to Knoxville knowing that the Mebane people were ahead of us. Sure enough, get to the Knoxville store and drove by as you could not get in. The police had it blocked off. The parking lot was full. The line just kept sneaking around there was an ambulance and firetruck. We decided to pass. Headed to Chattanooga hoping they would give us our third and fourth stamps- we took a photo of Knoxville to show we tried. Halfway to Chattanooga, the FB group said Knoxville was being shutdown. People were suffering from the heat and cars were being towed. We get to Chattanooga. They do give us both stamps and both credits! The line was long but inside and fast. We head to Nashville. We see in the F B group that the Knoxville people have now arrived at the Chattanooga store. The line is around the building. People have parked on the interstate and walked. The police are there and...cars are being towed. We get to Nashville. The line is looped around the back with two lines, when we start. It moves fairly quickly but was down the hill and going down the street before we made it to the side of the building. We get our last stamps and additional credit due to not getting any of the swag that had run out a long time ago. This was such a crazy day and a bigger event than anyone, even McKay's, anticipated but I am so glad to say we did it! I am thankful to McKays for doing this and being so generous. Thankful to their employees for being so accommodating and flexible and there! Thankful for getting there safely and that our car did not get towed! And special thanks to Diana for driving and just making the trip super special, and to Steffani for going with us so I could experience this with my best friend.

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

#WDEFNews12 #TimeSaverTraffic - Cleanup continues on I-24 W just past Chattanooga as what's left of a vehicle fire on the right shoulder remains, forcing traffic over to the median. TDOT trucks and emergency units remain on the scene.

[svalleynow]

Protest Sign Postes Above I-24 on Monday Morning

Drivers heading into Chattanooga on Monday morning encountered a sign displayed on the McBrien Road overpass. Protesters displayed letters spelling out “ICE WILL COME FOR US ALL” along with several American flags for traffic on Interstate 24 to see. The signs remained up for just a few hours before the group removed the letters by 10:30 a.m.

[marketing4us]

Wild Posting Agencies in Tennessee

Wild Posting Agencies in Tennessee: A Spotlight on Guerrilla Marketing

In a world teeming with digital advertisements, pop-up ads, and influencers, a tried-and-true marketing tactic has resurfaced with renewed vigor: wild posting. With its raw, creative edge and hyper-local impact, wild posting, also known as flyposting, has become an eye-catching way to connect with audiences. Tennessee, known for its rich cultural history, vibrant cities, and dynamic music and arts scene, is an ideal backdrop for this urban advertising approach. Wild posting agencies in Tennessee are thriving, blending guerrilla marketing techniques with the charm and character of the Volunteer State.

This blog delves into what wild posting is, the role of wild posting agencies in Tennessee, their unique strategies, and why this advertising technique is becoming indispensable for brands eager to stand out.

Understanding Wild Posting

Wild posting is an outdoor advertising method where posters, stickers, or print materials are placed in high-visibility areas to captivate passersby. It’s all about making a statement—whether that's through bold visuals, evocative messages, or the sheer scale of a poster display.

Unlike traditional billboard advertisements, wild posting brings branding to street level, where it seamlessly interacts with urban environments. The approach is bold, accessible, and perfect for connecting with communities in a way that feels fresh and authentic.

Tennessee’s Landscape for Wild Posting

Tennessee offers a unique canvas for wild posting campaigns. Its eclectic mix of bustling cities, historic towns, and vibrant artistic communities makes it fertile ground for street-level advertising. Here's why Tennessee stands out:

Music Hub: With Nashville crowned as the "Music City" and Memphis as the birthplace of blues and rock 'n' roll, Tennessee’s music culture provides ample opportunities for music-related wild posting campaigns. Agencies often partner with artists to promote album releases, live performances, and festivals.

Creative Communities: Tennessee is home to thriving art districts, such as The Gulch in Nashville, South Main in Memphis, and Market Square in Knoxville. These areas attract audiences receptive to bold and innovative marketing.

Tourism Hotspots: Tennessee boasts iconic attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains, Graceland, and Dollywood, drawing millions of visitors annually. Wild posting in high-foot-traffic tourist areas ensures wide visibility.

Youthful Energy: College towns such as Murfreesboro (Middle Tennessee State University), Knoxville (University of Tennessee), and Johnson City (East Tennessee State University) provide a young, energetic audience ideal for edgy and creative campaigns.

Wild Posting Agencies in Tennessee: How They Work

Wild posting agencies in Tennessee specialize in creating dynamic campaigns tailored to the state’s diverse audiences. Here's a breakdown of their typical operations:

Local Knowledge Tennessee-based agencies leverage their understanding of local culture, trends, and audience preferences to create campaigns that resonate. Whether it’s a poster featuring a nod to Dolly Parton or a reference to Memphis barbecue, local flavor often takes center stage.

Strategic Placement Choosing the right locations is critical for wild posting success. Agencies in Tennessee scout urban hotspots, construction sites, entertainment districts, and pedestrian-heavy zones to maximize exposure. Nashville’s Broadway, Memphis’s Beale Street, and Chattanooga’s Southside are prime examples.

Design Expertise Design is the cornerstone of effective wild posting. Tennessee’s agencies often collaborate with talented local graphic designers and artists to produce visually stunning posters that demand attention. Bold typography, vibrant colors, and culturally relevant imagery are common elements.

Compliance with Regulations While wild posting is often perceived as guerrilla marketing, many Tennessee agencies ensure campaigns comply with local laws. They work with property owners and secure necessary permissions for ethical and legal placement.

Eco-Friendly Practices Tennessee’s natural beauty inspires many agencies to adopt sustainable practices, such as using biodegradable materials and ensuring proper clean-up post-campaign.

Examples of Successful Wild Posting Campaigns in Tennessee

Wild posting agencies in Tennessee have executed numerous memorable campaigns. Here are some notable examples:

Music Album Releases In Nashville, wild posting campaigns promoting local artists’ album releases have turned heads with stunning visuals and QR codes for immediate downloads. These campaigns effectively build anticipation within the city’s music-loving community.

Event Promotions From the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester to the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, wild posting has played a key role in driving ticket sales and creating buzz around major events.

Brand Collaborations Collaborations between Tennessee brands and wild posting agencies have produced campaigns that celebrate local culture. A well-received example was a campaign by a Knoxville-based brewery that featured humorous, oversized posters celebrating Appalachian traditions.

Social Causes Wild posting has been used to amplify social causes in Tennessee, from environmental conservation to community initiatives. Agencies often partner with nonprofits to create awareness through thought-provoking posters.

Why Choose Wild Posting Agencies in Tennessee?

Brands looking to make an impact should consider partnering with wild posting agencies in Tennessee for several compelling reasons:

Cost-Effective Advertising Compared to other advertising channels, wild posting is a budget-friendly option that offers high visibility. It’s ideal for small businesses and startups in Tennessee seeking to maximize their marketing ROI.

Cultural Relevance Tennessee’s wild posting agencies excel at weaving local culture into their campaigns. This cultural relevance ensures greater audience connection and engagement.

Eye-Catching Creativity Wild posting campaigns are inherently creative, making them a standout amid more conventional forms of advertising.

Grassroots Connection Wild posting feels more authentic and relatable compared to polished advertisements. It’s a grassroots approach that appeals to Tennessee’s community-oriented audience.

Versatility From promoting a new restaurant in Nashville to advertising a film screening in Memphis, wild posting can be tailored to suit any campaign’s goals and scale.

Challenges and Considerations

While wild posting in Tennessee offers immense potential, it also comes with challenges:

Weather Impact Tennessee’s unpredictable weather, including summer humidity and sudden thunderstorms, can affect the durability of posters. Agencies must use weather-resistant materials for longevity.

Legal Compliance Navigating local regulations can be tricky. Agencies must ensure campaigns don’t violate city ordinances or face fines and removal.

Urban vs. Rural Reach While cities like Nashville and Memphis offer prime locations, rural areas in Tennessee may pose challenges in reaching large audiences through wild posting.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Wild Posting in Tennessee

As Tennessee continues to grow in population and cultural prominence, the demand for wild posting campaigns is likely to increase. Agencies are expected to adopt innovative strategies, such as:

Augmented Reality (AR) Posters: Interactive posters that integrate AR elements, allowing users to engage through their smartphones.

Collaborations with Street Artists: Merging advertising with public art to create campaigns that double as cultural contributions.

Sustainability Initiatives: Moving toward fully eco-friendly materials and practices.

Integration with Digital Platforms: Including QR codes and social media tags on posters to create seamless online-offline connections.

Conclusion

Wild posting agencies in Tennessee are breathing new life into advertising by blending creativity, strategy, and local flavor. Whether it’s promoting a new band in Nashville, a barbecue festival in Memphis, or an outdoor adventure brand in the Smoky Mountains, wild posting campaigns provide an engaging way to connect with audiences.

Wild posting in Tennessee is more than just an advertising tactic for businesses looking to make a bold statement—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. As this form of guerrilla marketing continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Tennessee’s wild posting agencies are paving the way for advertising that’s as memorable as it is impactful.

[p-s-smith-author]

An Accident with Reactor 1 

A link to one of my stories 

An Accident with Reactor 1   https://patrickssmithauthor.wordpress.com/2022/11/06/an-accident-with-reactor-1/ 

Friday, Day 1:

I was at the doctor’s office with my daughter for a follow up on her arm where she broke it. Six weeks, two emergency room visits, countless x-rays and a surgery to fix where she had broken both the radius and ulna in her right arm. I guess swimming the backstroke isn’t her cup of tea.

Fortunately, everything was healing well and her physical therapy was proceeding as scheduled.

While I was waiting, I took a quick scan of the news and saw a blurb about rolling black outs from Atlanta to Charlotte. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the article and started to watch it. Evidently, one of the nuclear reactors at a power plant in Gaffney has gone offline.

I started bouncing my leg nervously as I watched the news cast.

According to the news, around 5:30 am, there was an anomaly with reactor one at the plant. A spokesman for the plant claimed there were no fatalities and no immediate threat to the communities nearby, though the news showed several ambulances leaving the plant, lights and sirens on.

During the press conference, several reporters tried pressing the spokesman for more information. They kept asking if there was a danger of containment breach, radiation leaks or public health risks to the surrounding communities. Each time, the spokesman kept repeating the same answers he had already given.

Even though I was several hours from Gaffney, my mind started wandering to nightmare scenarios. Charlotte was an hour west of the plant. What would happen to the people there?

Throughout the broadcast, I felt like the audio was off, as if it didn’t sound quite right. One reporter, who I was familiar with, sounded different from what I remembered. “Must be a bad mic,” I thought to myself.

As I started to look for more on this incident, my daughter came out to the lobby. “Everything is good, and no more brace,” she said, holding up her arm.

We checked out and got a school excuse for her before leaving to take her back to school.

As we’re driving to her school, I said to her, “I guess we’re not going to Chattanooga tomorrow. Traffic in Atlanta is going to be a mess.” I then explain to her why.

Saturday, Day 2:

My daughter and I had planned to go to Chattanooga to visit the railroad museum and get some items for our train layout. Even though we were not going to Chattanooga, I still got up early. Just because I canceled the trip didn’t mean we couldn’t shop. 

After putting coffee on, I went to my office to do a little shopping online.

While I was looking at things, I turned the TV on, just for a little background noise, not paying attention to what channel it was on. 

I just finished selecting some track segments for our new addition when I realized I’ve had the news on. 

It is an update on the reactor incident.

Since the incident, government officials had arrived and started their investigation and setting up monitoring equipment. They were giving some statement and again there was a problem with the audio from the site as the woman’s voice sounded a little high-pitched. She said that there may have been an initial leak of radiation, but currently all readings were normal. She also said that though the other three reactors were undamaged, plant officials powered them down as a safety measure.

The news feed then cut to the scene outside the plant grounds. A large number of people were outside the gates protesting. Some protesters wore plastic rain gear made to look like some sort of bio-suit. They were holding signs proclaiming this was another Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, or Fukushima. The audio here was odd, but not as bad as the audio from the press conference on the plant grounds.

While the news was giving an update on the situation with the reactor, my wife came into the office. She stood at the doorway watching the TV with me. When the newscast went on to the next segment, she asked, “That’s horrible. Do you think we are in danger here?”

I had to think for a few minutes before answering her. “I don’t think so. We’re like two-hundred fifty miles away and they are north east of us. That is not to say that if they evacuate, people might flee here.”

“So I take it we’re not going to Chattanooga then?”

“I expect Atlanta will be a nightmare, so no.”

She sighed then said, “Then I’ll let the kids sleep in then.”

Throughout the day, I kept checking the news. I didn’t let my wife know at the time, but I was a little concerned. I knew vaguely about Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima and really didn’t trust the information I was seeing on the news. As the day wore on, people talking on site seemed to have more and more of a higher pitch to them.

Sunday, Day 3:

I checked the news several times during the day. Each time, I became more uncertain about the situation in Gaffney. The change in the pitch of people’s voices in the area set my nerves on edge.

Some residents in the area had evacuated while some had started looting. Civic leaders had called a town hall meeting to reassure the people that they were safe. This did little to reassure the public as they kept screaming at the politicians, blaming them for campaigning for a “death factory.”

In the early hours of the morning, protestors outside the plant had tried to break into the plant. One of the protestors said they wanted to take over the control rooms and destroy them so the undamaged reactors couldn’t be restarted.

“Idiots,” I say out loud. Just because a nuclear reactor is shut down, does not mean it’s safe.

In response, the governor of South Carolina had called up the National Guard as additional security at the plant.

Elsewhere, outside of other nuclear plants in the country, protestors had started gathering, demanding that they shut down.

There was one piece of good news. Or at least something close to being good news. The President was flying in to tour the plant and inspect things herself. 

I know that before becoming a governor and then the President, she had managed a research company and had a solid background in science. However, I couldn’t help but feel this was some grand stand by her, unlike President Carter, who had a background in nuclear plants.

By the time I went to bed that night, I had decided I was going to evacuate to my parent’s home in Tulsa. I’d let my wife know in the morning and start making the arrangements.

Monday, Day 4:

The next morning, before I told my wife my plan, she told me she’d feel better if we left and went to Rock Hill to be with her parents.

“No, we need to head west. If there is any danger, we don’t want to be downwind of the plant. Just let work know what is going on and you need to work remotely for a while. I’ll call my parents and start making the other arrangements and packing. I want to be out of here this evening if possible,” I said to her.

She agreed with this and got the kids off to school, totally unaware of what was going on.

I had the news on in the office while I was preparing to leave. At about 9 am, the news broke to the President giving a statement about the incident.

When she stepped up to the podium, she had this look of someone who was about to try to make a hard sell. It didn’t bolster any confidence in me. But when she spoke, she spoke with an air of confidence, as if she was telling someone an immutable fact, like water is wet.

I listened intently as she described the situation in an artificial chipmunk like voice.

According to her, on Friday morning, reactor number one had a power fluctuation that caused a containment breach. This breach released a momentary burst of radiation that lasted less than a millisecond, and luckily, was directed skyward. Once the breach occurred, the reactor by design shutdown as it could not sustain the nuclear reaction. However, the initial incident caused the main shutoff valve on the liquid hydrogen fuel tank to rupture and the plant was venting hydrogen into the atmosphere uncontrollably.

The four individuals taken to the hospital on Friday suffered mainly bumps and bruises when the breach occurred and they released three on Friday to go home. The fourth individual fractured their collar bone, which required surgery, but was expected to be released that afternoon.

She explained that there was no danger of further radiation leaks from the damaged reactor. The plant in Gaffney was a fusion plant rather than a fission plant like Three Mile Island. The plant here made electricity by taking hydrogen and converting it to helium the same way the sun does. There are no radioactive by-products or waste and the plant only generates radiation when the reactors are operating.

The biggest concern now was the leaking hydrogen igniting. Engineers were trying to devise a way to seal the leak, but extreme cold of the liquid hydrogen would make things difficult.

Before turning the podium over to the next speaker, she informed everyone that the only current health risk is oxygen deprivation from the hydrogen and people talking in a funny voice like you get when sucking the helium out of a balloon.

[amberleighridge]

Secure And Convenient

Controlled access entry gives you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe and private. At Amberleigh Ridge, you’ll find one bedroom floorplans in Chattanooga with features that make life both secure and comfortable. Attached and detached garages are available, giving you flexibility for your vehicles and storage needs. Speaking of storage, there’s plenty of private space to keep your belongings organized. High-speed internet access means you can stream, work, or browse without interruptions. If anything goes wrong, the 24-hour emergency maintenance service ensures help is just a call away. Whether you’re looking for a cozy one-bedroom or need more space, these apartments are designed to meet your needs while keeping security and convenience a top priority.

The Transportation System in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga’s transportation system is pretty straightforward. Getting around the city is easy, especially if you’re driving. Roads are well-maintained, and traffic isn’t usually a problem, so commuting is relatively stress-free. If you don’t drive, you’ve still got options like buses, which cover most areas. For a small city, public transportation is pretty reliable. The city's also bike-friendly, with some cool bike lanes around town. And if you're into walking, downtown Chattanooga is very walkable, making it simple to get to shops, restaurants, or parks without needing a car. If you do drive, though, parking’s typically not an issue, making getting around even easier.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a cool spot if you’re into history or just love trains. You can take a ride on a real vintage train and see what it was like back in the day. The museum also has tons of old locomotives and carriages you can check out up close. It’s pretty easy to spend a few hours here, especially if you enjoy learning about the past. They often run special events and themed train rides, so there’s always something fun going on. If you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy unique experiences, this place is a great stop. Plus, it’s all right next to the river, so you can enjoy some nice views too.

Whataburger Coming To Chattanooga In 2025

It’s about time! Whataburger coming to Chattanooga is exciting news for burger lovers. For years, fans in the area have had to make the drive to Scottsboro, AL, or hope for a road trip encounter to get their fix. Now, the city will finally have its own location. While we don’t know exactly where yet, it’s good to see another popular chain expanding in the area. With over 890 locations, Whataburger clearly has a loyal following, and the East Tennessee and North Alabama areas are already familiar with the brand. It’ll be interesting to see how the local market reacts to its arrival. If you’re a fan of hearty burgers, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for when they open in 2025.

Link to map

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States Get on TN-153 S from Cromwell Rd 3 min (0.9 mi) Continue on TN-153 S to Panorama Dr 6 min (4.5 mi) Follow Panorama Dr to Aventine Way 3 min (0.3 mi) Amberleigh Ridge 7205 Aventine Way, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

@WDEFNews12 #TimeSaverTraffic:

As of 11:20 PM EDT, TDOT reporting the fractured semi-trailer at the I-24 eastbound exit at Browns Ferry Road is still there. Offloading of the trailer is ongoing, and traffic is moving. However, caution is still recommended around the site.