Major Winter Storm Targets Nashville This Weekend

Middle Tennessee is bracing for a major winter storm set to arrive late Friday night, January 23, 2026, and linger through Sunday, January 25, 2026. According to WZTV, the storm threatens to blanket the region with snow, freezing rain, and sleet, with the potential for double-digit snow totals north of the I-40 corridor and a messy wintry mix to the south. As the latest forecasts roll in, the National Weather Service has upped the odds: Nashville now faces a 55% chance of receiving six or more inches of snow, with an even greater likelihood of at least three inches. That’s more than enough to disrupt travel and daily routines throughout the midstate.

But it’s not just the snow that has officials and residents on edge. The incoming system carries the risk of moderate ice accumulation, raising the specter of downed trees, snapped power lines, and outages that could last for days. Temperatures are predicted to plunge below freezing Friday night and stay there through at least Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, meaning whatever falls from the sky is likely to stick around well into next week. As WTVF puts it, "This system appears to have all the ingredients for widespread winter weather through the south."

For Nashville International Airport (BNA), preparations are already in high gear. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority told the TN Tribune that it’s maintaining ample supplies of ice melt and de-icing products for runways and paved surfaces to keep airfield operations as safe as possible. However, the airlines themselves are responsible for de-icing their aircraft, and officials are urging travelers to check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport. "Nashville International Airport has invested $686,000 in new de-icing vehicles and preventive measures against burst pipes," spokesperson Erin Thomas told reporters, adding that supplies are being stocked in case passengers end up stranded at BNA.

Still, airport officials stress that decisions about delays, cancellations, or diversions are made jointly by airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration, air traffic controllers, and pilots—not by the airport itself. Delta Airlines, anticipating the disruptions, is offering customers the flexibility to change travel plans without extra fees at Nashville and select other airports. "If a flight is canceled or a delay causes a misconnect, Delta will work to rebook customers on the next available flight," the airline said in a statement.

As the region steels itself for what could be the most significant winter event so far this season, local hardware stores are seeing a surge in demand for cold-weather essentials. At H.G. Lipscomb Hardware and Company in South Nashville, the rush is on. "We’ve already sold like a pallet and a half of sleds, several pallets of ice melt and snow shovels and scoops to multiple Ace Hardwares in town," Scott Lipscomb told WKRN. The Lipscomb family has kept their business running since 1892, and they know the drill when snow is in the forecast. Their advice for homeowners? Prevent frozen pipes by using foam faucet protectors—cheap and effective—or, if you’re caught off guard, spray a penetrating oil like WD-40 on frozen faucets. When it comes to clearing driveways and walkways, Lipscomb recommends salting before the snow arrives or shoveling first, then applying ice melt.

Emergency officials echo the call for caution. "Be prepared for significant travel impacts," the National Weather Service warns, as reported by Axios Nashville. Roads are expected to become snow- and ice-covered, possibly remaining treacherous for several days. WSMV 4’s meteorologists have declared Saturday and Sunday "First Alert Weather Days," advising residents to locate or purchase snow brushes, ice scrapers, shovels, and ice melt while supplies last. And if you’re thinking about sledding, don’t wait too long—sleds are flying off the shelves.

For many in Middle Tennessee, the question remains: Will this be mostly a snow event, or will ice and sleet play a starring role? The answer, according to WTVF, depends on the track of the low-pressure system driving the storm. If it slides south of Tennessee, snow will be the main story. If it tracks a bit farther north, a wintry mix of snow and ice could hit a broader swath of the region, including the NewsChannel 5 coverage area. Either way, the consensus among meteorologists is clear: plan now to remain home over the weekend, and expect poor road conditions.

Looking at the detailed forecast, the action will begin with a few rain showers on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, possibly mixed with patchy freezing drizzle or light snow in southwest Kentucky around sunrise. Temperatures will hover near freezing in the morning before climbing to the upper 40s by afternoon. Thursday brings more clouds and a high of 48°F, but by Friday night, the real trouble starts. Light snow is expected to develop and move in from the west, with at least a dusting likely by sunrise Saturday. Saturday itself looks to bring periods of heavy snow, with sleet potentially mixing in over southern Middle Tennessee and possibly up to the I-40 corridor. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain—especially near the Tennessee/Alabama line—will continue Saturday night, tapering off as light snow showers by Sunday afternoon.

With so many variables in play—storm track, moisture, and energy from the Pacific Ocean—meteorologists caution that snowfall projections could still shift. For now, Nashville is likely to get a solid six inches of snow, but sleet could limit totals. Frigid weather will linger into early next week, meaning roads will only improve gradually on Monday and Tuesday, January 26-27, 2026. The end of next week, thankfully, looks milder.

For those who must travel, authorities urge caution and preparation. Stock up on food, batteries for flashlights, and keep mobile devices charged in case of power outages. And, of course, keep an eye on the latest updates from your preferred weather service or download a weather app for real-time alerts. As the TN Tribune and other outlets emphasize, the coming days will test the region’s readiness for winter’s worst.

With the storm’s arrival imminent and uncertainty still swirling, one thing is certain: Middle Tennessee is in for a wintry ride, and the smartest move for most is to stay home, stay warm, and stay safe until the thaw arrives.