TEMA provides latest report on winter storm conditions, response
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has released its latest flash report regarding winter storm conditions.
View the fill report below:
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. Unfortunately, this weather system is not yet over.
- 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.
- On Jan. 22, Gov. Bill Lee issued a State of Emergency.
- 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
The sun has been out today, and many impacted areas have begun to thaw. However, with single-digit temperatures expected overnight, refreezing is anticipated, and prolonged cold weather conditions are expected to continue. These conditions may continue to slow restoration efforts in some areas.
Restoring power remains TEMA’s top priority. TEMA continues to coordinate closely with local power companies to assess system impacts and identify any unmet needs that may require state-level support. This coordination is ongoing to support power restoration efforts and maintain situational awareness across affected regions.
To support public safety and the affected communities, the TBI Hotline, 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463), will be operational Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT and is only intended to serve as a centralized, statewide resource for individuals seeking to report concerns that would normally prompt a welfare check. By directing these calls to the state level, local non-emergency public safety and emergency management agencies can focus on critical response and recovery efforts related to the storm.
Crisis Cleanup has been activated to support impacted communities. Crisis Cleanup is a nonprofit organization and operates independently of TEMA. Services provided by Crisis Cleanup may include assistance such as cutting and removing fallen trees. Due to the potential for overwhelming call volume and limited resources, Crisis Cleanup does not guarantee that all requested work will be completed. To submit a request for assistance, individuals should call 1-844-965-1386.
On Jan. 24, 2026, Governor Bill Lee announced that President Donald J. Trump has granted an Emergency Declaration to support Tennessee’s ongoing response to the winter weather event that is impacting all 95 counties across the state. The current emergency declaration does not include federal assistance for individuals, households or reimbursements. TEMA is actively coordinating with local counties to assess and document damages to determine whether impacts meet the federal criteria necessary to request this type of assistance through a Major Disaster Declaration.
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. 26, more than 219,979 customers are without power statewide.
- TVA reports that their system remains stable and secure, their plants are performing well, and they are positioned to meet rising demand from the extreme cold.
- 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
There are currently 115 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:*
- Labor Hours: 32,000 hours
- Salt: 18,300 Tons
- Brine: 1.4 Million Gallons
- Miles: Over 420,000 Traveled
- Incidents Managed: 1,554
- Trees Cleared: 1,300+
- TDOT Regions 1 and 2 sent members of their Strike Force teams to assist with tree-clearing operations in Region 3.
* 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.
Tennessee Highway Patrol
THP continues to respond to traffic crashes and provide assistance to stranded motorists.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
The TBI Hotline, 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463), will be operational Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT and is only intended to serve as a centralized, statewide resource for individuals seeking to report concerns that would normally prompt a welfare check. By directing these calls to the state level, local non-emergency public safety and emergency management agencies can focus on critical response and recovery efforts related to the storm.
Members of the public are encouraged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND instead of contacting local non-emergency public safety offices or local emergency management agencies for welfare check requests during this weather event.
Davidson County Exception:
All welfare check requests for individuals located in Davidson County must be submitted through the county’s online hub page and should not be directed to the TBI Hotline. Requests can be made at on Metro Nashville’s webpage.
TN Department of Health
- Power outages can cause refrigerators and freezers to warm quickly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. To keep food safe, keep cold foods at 41 degrees or below keep doors shut, and when in doubt throw it out.
- The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed five weather-related fatalities.
- One fatality in Crockett
- Two fatalities in Davidson
- One fatality in Haywood
- One fatality in Obion
TDEC
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
- Davidson
- Dickson
- Hardeman
- Hardin
- Henderson
- Hickman
- Humphreys
- Lewis
- Maury
- McNairy
- Perry
- Sumner
- Trousdale
- Wayne
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.
- Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours due to power outages.
- 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.
- Residents relying 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.
- 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.
- Monitor local news for updates on weather forecasts.
