Flash Report #1 Severe Weather and Flooding

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 4 – Elevated to support local requests and to continue to respond to the Hurricane Helene recovery.
• NWS Memphis has issued a Flash Flood Warning until 5:15 CT, Monday, Feb. 17.
• Requests for assistance are being fulfilled.• Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDEC, TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, TN Department of Military, and more are monitoring and responding to the situation to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.
• Sheltering locations and warming centers can be found on TEMA’s website. 
• Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.

CURRENT SITUATION
Several rounds of significant severe weather impacted Tennessee on February 15, 2025. There are areas of the state that have seen weather-related flooding impacting homes and damaging roads. The National Weather Service Memphis has surveyed and confirmed an EF-2 tornado that touched down in Gibson County. 

Due to water overtaking the levee on the Obion River, the National Weather Service Memphis office has issued a flash flood warning until 5:15 p.m. CT. Obion County has issued mandatory evacuations for residents in the Town of Rives. Follow local guidance for the most up to date information. 

Additionally, the National Weather Service is forecasting an arctic cold front approaching Tennessee that will bring an impactful round of winter weather and very cold temperatures. Hazardous driving conditions can be expected across much of the state, particularly north of the I-40 corridor and the west of I-65 corridor where snowfall will be greatest. Gusty winds behind the front will decrease visibility and cause single digit and sub-zero wind chill temperatures. Warming centers have begun to open by counties in several parts of the state.

TEMA has deployed personnel at the request of the counties and is coordinating with local officials to assess damages and ensure life safety needs are met. 

POWER OUTAGES AND UTILITIES
• As of February 17, at 11:30 a.m. CDT, there are less than 500 reports of power outages statewide.

SHELTERING LOCATIONS
• Local jurisdictions and the American Red Cross have opened overnight shelters in impacted areas. Additionally, due to the below freezing temperatures, many counties are establishing warming centers. For the most up to date shelter locations and warming centers, visit TEMA’s website. 

THP
• THP is providing assistance with law enforcement responsibilities.

TDH 
• The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any weather-related fatalities.

TDOT
• TDOT is continuing to monitor road conditions due to flooding.
• Several roads have been closed due to flooding impacts. Before you go out, check road conditions on TDOT’s SmartWay website. 

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES
• Have multiple ways to receive warnings. 
• Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown. 
• Continue to monitor for updated weather information from reliable sources. 
• Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.