Ice Storm Hits Nashville Causing Widespread Power Outages

As Middle Tennessee braces for a relentless winter storm, residents across the region are facing a daunting combination of ice, power outages, and hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service, in a forecast released on January 24, 2026, warned that Nashville and surrounding areas could see up to 0.75 inches of ice accumulation before the storm passes—a level of buildup that threatens to bring down trees, snap power lines, and render roads impassable. According to the forecast, "most of Middle Tennessee will see at least 0.25 inches of ice build up as snow switches to sleet and freezing rain," with the greatest accumulations favored across western and southwest Middle Tennessee.

By early Sunday morning, the impact was already being felt. NewsChannel 5 reported that Middle Tennessee was under a Storm 5 Alert, with power outages mounting rapidly across the region. As of 7:30 a.m., Nashville Electric Service (NES) was reporting a staggering 162,345 outages. Other providers weren’t spared: CEMC had 15,000 outages, CDE counted 3,074, Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) reported 8,448, Duck River tallied 3,814, and Pennyrile had 726. For thousands, the storm’s arrival meant waking up to cold, dark homes and the uncertainty of when power—and normalcy—would return.

State and local officials have responded with urgency. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that a state of emergency had been declared, a move quickly followed by a federal emergency declaration on January 24. This federal declaration, as explained in a news release from the governor’s office, allows for rapid, short-term federal assistance to support emergency protective measures and frees up federal resources for both local and state agencies. The hope is that this added support will help communities weather the storm and speed recovery efforts once the skies clear.

But for now, the focus is on safety and survival. The National Weather Service’s forecast highlighted that areas like Nashville, Columbia, and Waverly could see the heaviest ice—between 0.5 and 0.75 inches—while southeastern communities might be spared with as little as a tenth of an inch. Still, even a thin glaze of ice can turn roads into skating rinks and transform tree limbs into dangerous projectiles. Tennessee officials have been clear in their advice: stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Slick conditions and an uptick in accidents have already made travel treacherous, and with more freezing rain expected, the risk only grows.

For residents hunkering down at home, preparation is key. The Tennessean offered a slew of practical tips for riding out the storm and its aftermath. Among the most pressing concerns: what to do if the power goes out. If you have a generator, now is the time to make sure it’s working—and to review safety instructions to avoid electrocution or carbon monoxide poisoning. For those without generators, the advice is to turn refrigerators to their coldest setting, stock up on nonperishable foods, and keep flashlights and portable chargers at the ready. "Charge phones and portable chargers," the report urges, noting that staying connected can be a lifeline during extended outages.

Staying warm without electricity presents its own set of challenges. If you can safely reach a friend’s or family member’s home, a hotel, or a warming shelter, officials recommend doing so—but only if the journey won’t put you in harm’s way. For those riding out the cold at home, simple strategies can make a difference: place rolled towels or blankets beneath doors and windows to block drafts, draw curtains to retain heat, and gather everyone in a single, south-facing room to maximize body warmth. Layering up with hats, gloves, and thick socks is a must, and if you have sleeping bags, now’s the time to use them. The Tennessean advises, "Close off unused rooms" and "bundle up in sleeping bags, if you have them," to conserve heat and stave off the chill.

Food safety is another concern as refrigerators and freezers lose power. The recommendation is to move fresh food into coolers with ice or, if temperatures outside are below 40 degrees, to a secure outdoor location. Avoid opening the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary, and eat perishable items first. A thermometer can help determine whether food has reached unsafe temperatures—anything at or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit should be discarded.

With so much at stake, it’s also important to know what not to do. The Tennessean warns against using gas stoves, outdoor grills, or any device that burns natural gas or charcoal indoors, as these can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Similarly, space heaters should never be left unattended, and candles are discouraged in favor of flashlights to reduce fire risk. Protecting your home’s plumbing is another priority: wrap pipes or use foam covers, let faucets drip, and keep cabinets open to prevent freezing and bursting. And if you must venture outside, steer clear of damaged or fallen power lines, which can be deadly.

As the storm continues, officials are urging residents to monitor local news, radio, and emergency alerts for updates. "Listen to the radio and monitor your cell phone for emergency alerts," the safety tips emphasize. Staying informed can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation.

For many in Middle Tennessee, this winter storm is shaping up to be a real test of resilience. The combination of ice, widespread power outages, and difficult travel conditions has upended daily life and forced communities to pull together in new ways. Yet, as the power crews work around the clock and neighbors check in on one another, there’s a sense that the region will weather this challenge—as it has so many times before.

With the worst of the storm still ahead, officials continue to stress caution, patience, and preparation. As the ice builds and the outages mount, it’s clear that the coming days will require both grit and grace from everyone affected. For now, the message is simple: stay safe, stay warm, and look out for each other until the thaw arrives.