Flash Report #14 - Winter Weather

Thursday, February 05, 2026 | 06:14pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains activated at a Level 3 – State of Emergency to support statewide coordination in response to Winter Storm Fern.
  • Both the TBI Hotline and the Winter Storm Fern Information Line will be ending operations tomorrow, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. CT
  • TEMA has created a survey to self-report damages to homes as a result of Winter Storm Fern.Report your damages.
  • The Tennessee Department of Health continues to report 29 weather-related fatalities as a result of Winter Storm Fern.
  • Restoring power remains the state’s top priority, as prolonged cold temperatures continue to strain utility systems and slow restoration efforts across impacted regions 
  • Governor Bill Lee requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for 23 impacted counties on January 28. 
  • Price gouging is prohibited. If you have experienced a business that is price gouging, file a report to Tennessee’s Office of the Attorney General.
  • 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

Many Tennesseans affected by Winter Storm Fern are continuing to transition from immediate response into recovery, and now is the time to stay alert to remaining hazards while beginning cleanup and repairs. Use caution around downed power lines, unstable trees or limbs, and debris. If you’re using a generator, operate it outdoors only—never in a garage or enclosed area—to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep checking on neighbors who may still need help, especially older adults and people with medical needs, and continue keeping phones charged as power and services return to normal.

Many cut-and-toss teams are beginning to demobilize as priority routes are worked through; however, operations remain ongoing and will continue to ensure county roads are cleared of fallen trees to support public safety and improve access for residents and responders.

As conditions allow, begin tracking and documenting storm impacts to support recovery and any potential future assistance. Take clear photos and videos of damage, make a simple inventory of affected items, and keep receipts for storm-related costs such as repairs, cleanup supplies, lodging, or generator fuel. If you have homeowners, renters, or auto insurance, contact your provider and start a claim as soon as possible to establish losses and help with next steps if a state or federal declaration is issued.

For information on available recovery assistance, residents should reach out to their county or local emergency management agency. Many counties are coordinating with community organizations and nonprofits that may be able to assist with cleanup support, food, temporary sheltering, or other services, even ahead of any formal declaration. Continue monitoring trusted local and state sources for recovery updates and guidance. Please note: the TBI hotline for wellness checks and the Winter Storm Fern Information Lines will end operations tomorrow at 5 p.m. CT.

 POWER OUTAGES

  • As of 4:00 p.m. on February 5, more than 2,500 customers are without power statewide. 
  • Lineworkers and other crews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.
  • The public is reminded to stay clear of downed power lines and assume all lines are energized.

 

WARMING CENTERS

Many warming centers and overnight shelters that were opened for Winter Storm Fern are beginning to make plans to close. These centers and shelters are locally managed. Be sure to check the notes on the shelter locations as information may change. If you need assistance or have questions about shelters for your area, please contact your local Emergency Management Agency. You can find all available warming centers and shelters on TEMA’s interactive shelter map.

 

Tennessee Department of Transportation

TDOT continues to support Winter Storm Fern response operations across the state as part of a coordinated, region-by-region effort to keep primary routes passable and improve travel conditions where it’s safe to do so. Crews remain engaged in plowing and treating roadways, monitoring changing conditions, and prioritizing interstates, state routes, bridges, and other high-risk areas as temperatures and precipitation patterns shift. Even as conditions improve in some places, drivers should expect lingering slick spots, refreeze overnight, and spotty hazards—especially on secondary roads and elevated surfaces. Before you get on the road, check current road conditions on the TDOT SmartWay website.

Tennessee National Guard

 

  • Since the storm began, Tennessee National Guardsmen have cleared debris from more than 937 miles of road throughout the state, performed wellness checks, assisted at 13 warming centers, and have helped with transportation.
  • Guardsmen are primarily organized into 3-4 person “Cut and Toss” teams, clearing trees and debris with skid steers and chainsaws to assist Nashville Electric Services and other state and local departments and Emergency Management Agencies to open roadways and restore power to Tennesseans. Guardsmen are currently operating in Davidson, Hardin, Macon, Perry, and Williamson counties.

Tennessee Highway Patrol

 

THP continues to respond to traffic crashes and provide assistance to stranded motorists. From January 24, 2026, to February 3, 2026, troopers have assisted with: 

  • 3,548 motorists assisted
  • 455 lane blockages
  • 545 Abandoned vehicles checked
  • 9,099 phone calls into dispatch

Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry still has personnel deployed in the storm-affected counties, where they continue to clear roads of trees and debris. 

 

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

TWRA wildlife managers, officers, technicians, and radio crews have continued to step up and collaborate with state partners to meet urgent needs.                                                                  

 

Tennessee Department of Health

Things to know about carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Many people rely on alternative power sources to keep their homes warm during power outages. Portable backup generators produce the odorless, colorless, poisonous gas carbon monoxide (CO). CO claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill.
  • Never use a generator inside your home or garage even with the windows and doors are open. 
  • Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows. 
  • Install battery-operated or battery backup carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home. 
  • Check carbon monoxide detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly. 
  • For more information about CO poisoning prevention, visit Healthy Homes - Carbon Monoxide.
  • The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 29 weather-related fatalities due to Winter Storm Fern:

            o   Six fatalities in Shelby

            o   Three fatalities in Davidson

            o   Three fatalities in Knox

            o   Two fatalities in Fayette

            o   Two fatalities in Hardin

            o   Two fatalities in Hawkins

            o   Two fatalities in Henderson

            o   Two fatalities Hickman

            o   Two fatalities in Obion

            o   One fatality in Cheatham

            o   One fatality in Dyer 

            o   One fatality in Hancock

            o   One fatality in Haywood

            o   One fatality in Johnson

 

The Tennessee Department of Health has also confirmed three weather-related fatality due to the separate winter weather that began impacting East Tennessee on Friday, Jan. 30.

            o   One fatality in Greene

            o   One fatality in Sullivan

            o   One fatality in Washington

 

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

State Parks

TDEC State Parks staff have continued to provide operational, logistical, and field support assisting with road clearing, search and rescue operations, and access restoration to support emergency medical services, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure repair. 

Division of Water Resources

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is reporting systems with impacts. Residents should continue to monitor guidance from their local water system providers and remain alert for any protective actions that may be issued. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has created a real-time dashboard that lists all of the impacted water systems and any protective actions the water provider has issued.

 

Tennessee Department of Human Services

If you are a current recipient of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the Tennessee Department of Human Services is prepared to provided replacement SNAP benefits to current SNAP households who have suffered losses due to power outages of 12 hours or more. For more information, including necessary forms, please visit the Tennessee Department of Human Services website.

 

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

  • Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.
  • 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.
  • Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours due to power outages.
  • Crisis Cleanup is assisting residents with free storm-related property cleanup, including fallen trees. To request assistance, call 844-965-1386.
  • Residents who rely on medical devices or refrigerated medications should plan ahead and contact healthcare providers or utilities if power disruptions pose a health risk.
  • Turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or lower to reduce energy consumption.
  • Do not connect generators directly to your home.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel and limit time outdoors due to hazardous conditions.
  • Stay clear of downed power lines and assume all lines are energized.
  • Check on neighbors who may be vulnerable, including seniors and those without power or heat.
  • Rely on official sources such as TEMA, local EMAs, TDOT, and utility providers for accurate information.
  • Report price gouging to the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs.
  • Call *STAR THP (847) for assistance or emergencies on Tennessee highways.