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An impactful winter storm is ongoing across the state, producing snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Areas south of the I-40 corridor have already transitioned from snow to sleet, and this transition zone will continue moving north throughout the day. Freezing rain is expected to develop later this evening. The highest ice accumulations are forecast across the southern portions of the West and Middle Regions, where totals may exceed 0.50 inches. Much of the remainder of the state is expected to receive at least 0.25 inches of ice. Overnight, areas east of I-65 are expected to transition to rain as surface temperatures rise slightly above freezing. Very cold conditions are expected to persist beyond the weekend, with many locations not reaching above freezing again until mid-week.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is encouraging Tennesseans to prepare for the possibility of a major winter storm this weekend that could bring snow, ice, freezing rain, and freezing temperatures across the state.

As colder temperatures settle in and the potential for winter weather hazards increases, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) are encouraging Tennesseans to take simple steps now to stay safe throughout the season.

The State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) will conduct its quarterly meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT.

Maury, Shelby, and Stewart counties have been awarded an advance designation for their Basic Emergency Operations Plans (BEOPs), a critical step in improving emergency preparedness and response for their communities. This status, granted by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, recognizes the counties for demonstrating their readiness to effectively manage potential disasters and emergencies.

Response operations continue at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) site in Hickman and Humphreys counties following the October 10 explosion. Multiple local, state, and federal agencies remain engaged in coordinated recovery and investigative efforts. The Humphreys County and Hickman County Sheriff’s Offices, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team, continue to serve as the lead law enforcement authorities on scene, supported by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and other state partners.

Response operations continue at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) site in Hickman and Humphreys counties following the October 10 explosion. The Humphreys County and Hickman County Sheriff’s Offices, in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team, remain the lead law enforcement authorities on the ground. Multiple local, state, and federal partners are assisting with the investigation and recovery process. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is utilizing advanced forensic and innovative identification technology to assist with victim identification and to help families receive closure. This process requires careful coordination between investigators, forensic specialists, and medical examiners. Due to the extensive damage and the presence of hazardous materials, this work is proceeding slowly and methodically to ensure the safety of responders and the integrity of the investigation. Teams must continue clearing the area of active explosives before comprehensive recovery operations can take place.

Response efforts remain underway at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) site in Hickman/Humphreys counties following the October 10 explosion. Due to the extensive debris and the potential presence of explosive materials, response operations continue to progress slowly and methodically. Controlled detonations will be conducted periodically at the site throughout the day to safely dispose of unstable or hazardous materials. Nearby residents may see black smoke and hear or feel the detonations as they occur.

Response efforts remain underway at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) site in Hickman/Humphreys counties following the October 10 explosion. Multiple law enforcement agencies from local, state, and federal levels are actively assisting in operations. The Humphreys County and Hickman County Sheriff’s Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Teams are serving as the lead law enforcement authorities on the ground with the assistance of the Fort Campbell Explosive Ordinance Disposal team. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Sixteen individuals remain unaccounted for.

Response efforts continue following the October 10 explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) in Hickman/Humphreys counties. Emergency responders from across the region remain on scene, working alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team, which is assisting with scene examination and investigative support. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Officials have confirmed that the number of unaccounted individuals has decreased from 18 to 16, after verifying that two people previously believed to be on site were alive and not at the facility at the time of the explosion.

A total of 18 local, state, and federal agencies are collaborating on the ongoing investigation and response. This coordinated effort is focused on ensuring public safety, supporting impacted families, and determining the cause of the incident. At the request of the Hickman and Humphreys emergency management agencies, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has deployed District Coordinators and continues to fulfill requests to include five pallets of water, personnel, and communications support. TEMA is actively monitoring the situation.

A total of 18 local, state, and federal agencies are collaborating on the ongoing investigation and response. This coordinated effort is focused on ensuring public safety, supporting impacted families, and determining the cause of the incident. At the request of the Hickman and Humphreys emergency management agencies, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has deployed District Coordinators and continues to fulfill requests to include five pallets of water, personnel, and communications support. TEMA is actively monitoring the situation.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is partnering with Lowe’s and local emergency management agencies for Tune It Tuesday, a statewide effort to program NOAA Weather Radios on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) are recognizing September 2025 as Preparedness Month with a commitment to helping all Tennesseans become “Ready to Recover” from emergencies and disasters.