Newsroom

Road conditions are improving across parts of Tennessee, but the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) continues to urge drivers to remain cautious as freezing temperatures can cause ice, downed trees, and other hazardous road conditions.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced that Tennessee Highway Patrol State Troopers and State Homeland Security Agents will lead coordinated efforts to conduct welfare checks on Tennesseans who have not been heard from since the devastating ice and snow storm that brought dangerously low temperatures and knocked out power across the state, with the bulk of outages concentrated in the metro Nashville area and Middle and West Tennessee, and whose families have been unable to reach them.

As ice, downed trees, and hazardous road conditions continue to impact travel across Tennessee, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has been working tirelessly to assist motorists.

NASHVILLE--Commissioner of Financial Institutions Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 10.75 percent per annum. The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 6.75 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on January 26, 2026.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has provided extensive assistance to motorists across the state since the start of the winter storm, as ice, downed trees, and hazardous road conditions continue to impact travel.

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will reopen Herb Parsons Refuge and the Bill Dance Lake State Fishing Area on Wednesday, January 28. These areas have been closed since July 7, 2025, due to several projects aimed at improving accessibility and functionality. Improvements include renovating the parking area and lowering the lake water level to enhance the fishing habitat. The goal of these upgrades is to improve both the fishing experience and overall visitor enjoyment.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Soldiers and Airmen with the Tennessee National Guard are supporting state, county, and local emergency responders as they assist Tennesseans affected by the inclement winter weather, which includes snow, ice, and freezing rain, that began on January 23.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) continues to strongly urge motorists to stay home. TDOT crews are on their fourth day of clearing roads and are now removing downed trees. Due to the prolonged weather event, with ice and dangerously low temperatures being experienced across the state, conditions will remain hazardous for at least the next 24 to 48 hours.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reminds Tennesseans to use caution and be prepared when traveling in inclement winter weather. With strong winds, snow and ice forecasted across the state, THP encourages drivers to limit unnecessary travel. If you must be on the road, please keep yourself and your loved ones safe by following these cold weather safety tips.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David W. Salyers has announced the appointment of Brian Clifford as Deputy Commissioner for the Bureau of Conservation.

NASHVILLE --- As a result of weather conditions, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will close Stones River Hunter Education Center and Firing Range on Jan. 30–Feb. 1. The TWRA expects ranges to resume normal operating hours the following week.

Officials overseeing $42 million for restoration of natural resources impacted by the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) today announced seven projects for funding and released a first restoration plan describing them.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s unemployment rate held steady in December at 3.6%, eight-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate, according to new data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).