NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam has declared a state of emergency in order to lift restrictions on the transportation of propane in Tennessee as subfreezing temperatures hit the state.

Normally, drivers transporting hazardous materials like propane are limited in the number of hours they are allowed to work at a stretch. The state of emergency will allow drivers to work longer hours in the hopes of ensuring propane delivery to homes and businesses during the cold spell.

As temperatures dropped on Tuesday, several school districts announced early closures.

Snow was forecast for areas east of Interstate 24 with the greatest accumulations expected in the mountains of East Tennessee.

Subfreezing temperatures could continue through Saturday.