Winter Weather January 2025
Stay Safe, Stay Informed!
Tennessee residents should prepare for winter weather impacts as early as the evening of Thursday (Jan. 9) through Saturday (Jan. 11) afternoon as the system moves through the state. According to the National Weather Service, significant snow and some ice accumulations are likely across a large portion of the state. In addition, unseasonably cold air will persist across the region over the next seven days.
For updates and forecasts specific to your region, follow your local National Weather Service:
Winter Weather Updates
Press Release (Jan. 9, 2025): Gov. Lee, TEMA Issue State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Weather
Media Briefing (Jan. 8, 2025): Director Sheehan Discusses Preparedness and Expected Impacts
TEMA will update this website regularly through the winter weather system, as needed. This will include any Press Releases or Flash Reports that may be shared during 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.
Warming Centers
With dangerously cold temperatures and conditions expected, please seek shelter if you need a warm place to stay.
Warming centers are run by local officials. 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.
Winter Storm Safety
Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. While forecasts show snow to be the main impact with the system, pay attention to changes in conditions.
Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work, and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car with automobile extras, including jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.
Stay Safe During Winter Weather
- Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes.
- Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.
- Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
- Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.
- Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and
neck.
Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
- Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
- Have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
- Keep the generator dry and protected. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
- Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
- Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Power Outages
Winter storms can cause power outages.
Preparing for an Outage
- Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank.
- Have flashlights for every household member.
- Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Know Your Medical Needs
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines.
Using Appliances During a Power Outage
- Have working carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
- Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows.
- Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.
More information is available here.