From Chicago to E. TN -- What Winter Stuff is Needed? (Knoxville: school, live in)

[addsubtract]

Hi, My family is moving to Eastern Tennessee from the Chicago. (I'm certain that we will live in E. Tennessse, but am not entirely sure where yet. I'm looking at Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities area.)

What are the winters like in Eastern Tennessee? Do we need to take snowpants, snowboots, very heavy jackets? I would love to be able to just donate all those winter items to folks who need them in Chicago, but don't want to leave us short-handed.

Thank you!

[kamoshika]

Average winter temps (Dec-Feb)

Chattanooga: high 52, low 32 (lowest low this winter, 14)
Knoxville: high 50, low 31 (lowest """, 8)
Tri-Cities: high 47, low 26 (lowest """, 3)

In Knoxville and the Tri-Cities, you're likely to have a few single-digit mornings. A heavy jacket or light coat over a sweater should suffice unless you're especially sensitive to the cold. I live in Kingsport and only very rarely wear my thick winter parka.

The Tri-Cities area generally gets the most snow, averaging about a foot in recent years. This past winter was exceptionally snowy by our standards, but laughable by Chicago standards.

[Pam& Bill]

You'll need winter coats, but snow pants and boots, I doubt you'll need. We get some snow in Tn. but it is usually only a dusting and melted away in a day or two. I wouldn't give away the sweaters or winter clothes because you'll need them. But not the outerwear for the kids.
No more packing snow pants, boots and hat and gloves to school every day. You'll love the winters here compared to Chicago.
Pam

[jabogitlu]

I live in the TRI and have never owned snow pants or boots. I'd keep the heavy coats and gloves, though. It does get cold here.

[addsubtract]

Thank you so much, for responding. I'm thrilled to pass along the oodles of winter boats, snow pants, and Artic-ready coats. I can live with, and would enjoy just a little snow, and a few cold mornings. It's the 30 below zero windchill that leaves me . . . heading for E. Tennessee!!!

[Capt. Dan]

Originally Posted by addsubtract

Thank you so much, for responding. I'm thrilled to pass along the oodles of winter boats, snow pants, and Artic-ready coats. I can live with, and would enjoy just a little snow, and a few cold mornings. It's the 30 below zero windchill that leaves me . . . heading for E. Tennessee!!!

The cold you will feel during an East Tennessee winter will feel NOTHING like the cold of the winter wind coming off of Lake Michigan! I grew up in Gary and can tell you that there is no comparison. You will be able to take a nice walk in December without feeling like you are being pushed around by Lake Shore Drive winds! Good luck with your move and welcome to the Great State of Tennessee!