January 2026 Winter Weather

  • On Feb. 7, Tennessee's Major Disaster Declaration following Winter Storm Fern was approved for Public Assistance for 15 impacted counties. FEMA Public Assistance is available for eligible government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, to support response and recovery efforts, including reimbursement for qualifying disaster-related costs. This is in addition to the eight counties that have already been approved for Category B, Emergency Protective Measures, Public Assistance.
  • Fifteen counties that are approved for full FEMA Public Assistance: Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Perry, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, and Williamson.
  • Eight counties that are approved for FEMA Category B, Emergency Protective Measures, Public Assistance: Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Lawrence, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, and Wilson.
  • The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is asking anyone whose home has been impacted by recent events to complete a new, easy-to-use survey to report any damages. Submitting the survey does not guarantee assistance, but it is a critical step in helping state and local officials assess impacts and identify potential needs across Tennessee. Complete the survey here.

 

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On February 6, President Trump approved Tennessee's request for a Major Disaster Declaration. This approval provides 15 Tennessee counties full Public Assistance. 

The FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program provides essential grant funding to help local governments, state agencies, public utilities, and certain nonprofit organizations recover after a federally declared disaster. 

FEMA Public Assistance is available for Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Perry, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, and Williamson counties. 

Other counties who have already been approved for Category B, Emergency Protective Measures, Public Assistance include Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Lawrence, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, and Wilson.

Additional counties may be added if ongoing assessments determine that federal criteria have been met.

FEMA Individual Assistance (IA), which can provide direct help to eligible survivors, and Hazard Mitigation assistance, which can help communities reduce future risk, are currently under federal review. The State of Tennessee continues to work closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local partners to pursue every available form of assistance and connect Tennesseans with resources as recovery continues. 

If your home sustained any damages due to Winter Storm Fern, please report those damages through TEMA's Damage Assessment Survey as this survey will continue to help the state validate our request for FEMA Individual Assistance. 

If you are in need of assistance, please continue to work with any community organizations or nonprofits in your county. If you have an immediate need, please contact your local emergency mangagement agency.

To best understand what is currently available, and what survivors should be doing right now, read our news release.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is asking anyone whose home has been impacted by Winter Storm Fern to complete a new, easy-to-use survey to report any damages. 

The survey helps the state better understand the types and extent of damage Tennesseans are experiencing. Submitting the survey does not guarantee assistance, but it is a critical step in helping state and local officials assess impacts and identify potential needs across Tennessee. The survey is designed to take only a few minutes to complete. 

The survey is available online and can be completed from a computer or mobile device by visiting the online damage reporting survey.

United Way 211

  • United Way 211 is active. 211 connects individuals to non-emergency needs and community resources Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. For assistance after hours or on weekends, individuals can access resources online through the United Way website.

Crisis Cleanup Hotline

  • The Crisis Cleanup Hotline is currently active and residents can request free property cleanup assistance related to the winter storm damage. You can request this assistance by calling 844-965-1386. Please note, all services are provided by volunteer organizations, but service is not guaranteed due to what may be an overwhelming need. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.

There are drinking water facilities that are impacted due to Winter Storm Fern. Some of these systems are experiencing operational impacts but have not implemented protective actions at this time. Residents should continue to monitor guidance from their local water system providers and remain alert for any protective actions that may be issued. Any systems with active protective actions will have that indicated on the dashboard below


Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.

 

General Safety Information

  • Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours due to power outages.
  • Turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or lower to reduce energy consumption.
  • 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.

 

Generator Safety

  • Do not connect generators directly to your home.
  • Never use generators indoors and never leave them unattended.
  • Use a carbon monoxide detector when you have the ability to.

 

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.

Find all of TEMA's flash reports and news releases on our Newsroom page

All flash reports, press releases, and media briefings will be added to this section throughout the winter weather event. If you are a member of the media and have a question or interview request, please email TEMA.Info@tn.gov.