Flash Report #2 - Winter Weather

Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 06:02pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  •  The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 3 - State of Emergency to respond to the winter weather.
  • Overnight, below-normal temperatures combined with freezing rain and sleet caused significant ice impacts across Tennessee.
  • Additional freezing rain, cold air, and wind gusts up to 25 mph are expected, with up to an additional quarter inch of ice possible in some areas, further slowing recovery efforts and worsening hazardous conditions.
  • On Jan. 24, Governor Bill Lee announced that President Donald J. Trump has granted an Emergency Declaration.
  • The entire state is being impacted by winter weather.
  • On Jan. 22, Gov. Bill Lee issued a State of Emergency.
  • Crisis Cleanup was activated to assist residents with free property cleanup as a result of winter weather impacts. To request assistance, call: 844-965-1386.
  • Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDEC, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, and more are monitoring the situation and standing by to provide assistance to local jurisdictions. 

 

CURRENT SITUATION

Below-normal temperatures combined with freezing rain and sleet have resulted in significant ice accumulation across much of the state. This weather system remains ongoing, and conditions are expected to worsen overnight as temperatures drop into the single digits. Continued ice accumulation and cold temperatures will further impact power restoration efforts, transportation, and communications infrastructure.

Widespread power outages persist across Tennessee. TVA reports that the bulk power system remains stable; however, icing has caused extensive damage to local distribution systems. Local power companies and linemen are working around the clock under hazardous conditions to safely restore service as quickly as possible.

Road conditions across the state are expected to continue deteriorating overnight due to ongoing ice and extremely cold temperatures. Travel remains hazardous, and the public is strongly urged to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Reducing traffic allows emergency responders, utility crews, and TDOT personnel to operate more safely and effectively.

Communications infrastructure has been impacted in some areas, including reduced cellular service due to power loss and ice damage. Even if cellular connectivity is limited or unavailable, residents are still able to call 911. The public is urged to call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency situations, residents should contact their local public safety non-emergency number or their local emergency management agency.

TEMA continues to work with local, regional, and state partners to support readiness actions and any requests for resources. The state remains at a Level 3, State of Emergency, to be able to respond to the winter weather.

 

 POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES

  • The current extreme cold is increasing the power demand across Tennessee. Conserve energy by staying indoors, lowering your thermostat, and reducing non-essential electricity use if health allows to prevent temporary power interruptions. More energy saving tips can be found on the TVA website.
  • As of 1:00 p.m. on Jan. 25, more than 309,000 customers are without power statewide.
  • Davidson County currently has the highest number of outages in the state, with more than 204,500 customers affected.
  • TVA reports that the bulk power system remains stable, though icing caused overnight interruptions across parts of the Tennessee Valley. Crews are working around the clock to restore service safely in coordination with local power providers.
  • The public is reminded to stay clear of downed power lines and assume all lines are energized.

 

WATER FACILITY IMPACTS

Drinking water facilities in the following counties are experiencing impacts due to the winter weather. Currently, all water systems have water supply, but residents should follow any guidance issued by their water provider.

  • Clay
  • Hickman
  • Humphreys
  • Maury
  • McNairy
  • Perry
  • Trousdale
  • Wayne
  • Wilson

WARMING CENTERS

There are currently 101 warming centers open statewide, with some transitioning to overnight shelters. Warming centers are locally managed, and availability varies by location. Residents should consult TEMA’s interactive warming center map or contact their local Emergency Management Agency.  TEMA maintains an interactive map of centers operating throughout the state. Please check the notes section on the map for each shelter, as hours of operation and other information may vary between locations. If you need assistance or have questions about shelters for your area, please contact your local Emergency Management Agency.

TDOT

Road conditions are expected to continue worsening across the state. TDOT crews are working 24-hour shifts to salt and brine state routes; however, freezing rain and low temperatures limit the effectiveness of treatments.

The public is strongly urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

  • Crews are continuing to support communities with winter weather impacts. 
  • TDOT’s Statewide Response by the Numbers to Date:

            o   10,000 Equipment Hours

            o   15,000 Labor Hours

            o   3,500 Tons of Salt

            o   1.4 Million Gallons of Brine

            o   290,000+ Miles of Road Treated

            o   861 Incidents Managed

            o   At least 300 trees have been removed from the interstate

            * The numbers will update tonight at 11:30 p.m.

  • It is suggested to avoid driving if possible. If not, you can check road conditions on the TDOT Smartway website.

 

THP

THP continues to respond to traffic crashes and provide assistance to stranded motorists.

 

TN Department of Health

The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any weather-related fatalities or injuries at this time.

Other Infrastructure

Commercial communications outages are occurring in some areas due to power loss and ice damage, contributing to limited cellular service and increased 911 call volume.

 

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

  • Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance. 
  • Residents should use extreme caution when heating homes during power outages. Never use generators, grills, or propane heaters indoors. Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended. 
  • Use space heaters safely—keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
  • Conserve phone battery life when possible and keep devices charged for emergency communications.
  • Residents relying on medical devices or refrigerated medications should plan ahead and contact healthcare providers or utilities if power disruptions pose a health risk.
  • Monitor local news for updates on weather forecasts.
  • Turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or lower to reduce energy consumption. 
  • Don’t plug your generators into your home. 
  • Avoid unnecessary travel and limit time outdoors.
  • Stay clear of downed power lines.
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors.
  • Rely on official sources such as TEMA, local EMAs, TDOT, and utility providers.
  • Report price gouging to the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs. To learn more, visit their website.
  • Call STAR THP (*847) for assistance or emergencies on Tennessee highways.