Winter Storm Threatens Nashville With Ice And Bitter Cold

As Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky brace for a powerful winter storm this weekend, residents are hunkering down in anticipation of hazardous conditions that could disrupt daily life for days to come. Forecasters and state officials alike are sounding the alarm, warning of a multi-phase storm system set to unleash snow, sleet, freezing rain, and bitterly cold temperatures across the region starting early Saturday morning, January 24, 2026.

According to FOX 17 News, a Code Red Weather Alert has been issued for the area, with a winter storm warning in effect for most of Middle Tennessee and an ice storm warning covering several counties. The National Weather Service projects a thin layer of ice and anywhere from 3 to 9 inches of snow, with the heaviest accumulations likely north of I-40. The storm is expected to arrive before dawn on Saturday, initially bringing light snow and sleet. While these early accumulations may remain relatively modest, conditions will quickly deteriorate as freezing rain and sleet become the dominant precipitation by midday.

Saturday afternoon and evening are forecast to be particularly treacherous, with freezing rain and sleet taking center stage in Middle Tennessee, while southern Kentucky may see some additional light snow. The wintry mix is set to persist through Saturday night and into Sunday morning, January 25, with steady precipitation and further ice accumulation. Cold rain could fall in the eastern half of the region on Sunday, possibly reducing icing in those areas, but forecasters warn that after lunchtime Sunday, the precipitation will taper off with a final chance for light snow before the storm exits Sunday evening.

Behind the storm, an arctic air mass is poised to plunge temperatures to dangerous lows. Forecasts indicate that Nashville could see the mercury drop to 2 degrees below zero by Tuesday morning, January 27. With temperatures likely to remain below freezing until Wednesday, January 28, any snow and ice that accumulate over the weekend will linger, creating prolonged hazards on roads and sidewalks. The highest risk for ice accumulation—estimated between 0.25 and 0.50 inches—is expected in Nashville and points southwest, raising the specter of downed trees and power outages.

In preparation for the coming storm, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a state of emergency on Thursday, January 22, covering all 95 counties in the state. As reported by The Nashville Banner, this move clears the way for state and federal relief efforts to be deployed as needed. The governor’s office announced that Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers and dispatchers will work around the clock to assist stranded motorists and support local agencies, while the Tennessee National Guard is mobilizing vehicles and emergency shelters, staging resources in anticipation of widespread need.

The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) began pretreating roadways on Thursday morning, arming itself with an expanded fleet of 45 snowplows, 100,000 gallons of brine solution, and 9,300 tons of salt. NDOT’s reach now extends to 600 miles of routes, including new additions that allow snowplows to penetrate deeper into neighborhoods. Mayor Freddie O’Connell acknowledged the unpredictability of each storm, saying, “But each storm is different. Temperatures and type of precipitation make a huge impact on how quickly we can clear the roads, so we appreciate the patience of Nashvillians as we work to keep our roads safe.”

NDOT prioritizes snow removal routes by ensuring access to hospitals, transit, and essential services, clearing primary roads first before moving on to secondary and post-secondary routes. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) is also taking proactive steps, announcing that officers will be out on Friday checking highways and major surface streets for abandoned vehicles, which could impede snowplow and salt truck operations. Given the uncertainty of road conditions, MNPD is urging residents to limit travel as much as possible. Those who must venture out are advised to pack emergency kits with blankets, food, and water, and to ensure their vehicles are fully fueled in case of emergencies.

Public transit is also bracing for disruptions. WeGo, Nashville’s public transit agency, anticipates that routes with steep hills or roads difficult to navigate in snow and ice could be affected, while others may continue operating. Riders are encouraged to check WeGo’s weather alerts page and the Transit App for real-time updates, and WeGo Access users should expect potential delays.

For those seeking shelter from the storm, a network of organizations is stepping up to provide refuge and hot meals. Room in the Inn, Nashville Launch Pad, Oasis, and Nashville Rescue Mission are all offering shelter, with the latter also providing hot meals throughout the day. The Southern Alliance for People and Animal Welfare is ensuring that people and their pets have access to food, veterinary care, and temporary shelter. The Nashville Fairgrounds’ Q Barn will operate as a warming center, and Metro Nashville’s Emergency Overflow Shelter will provide hot meals, snacks, and bedding for those unable to secure accommodations elsewhere. This shelter will remain open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on any night when temperatures dip below freezing.

Metro Social Services is continuing its regular delivery of warm emergency meals to homebound seniors and those with disabilities, while also conducting welfare checks to ensure clients are prepared for the inclement weather. For more information on food, shelter, and other necessities, residents can dial 211, the state’s community services helpline.

With the risk of power outages looming, Nashville Electric Service is advising residents to stock up on batteries and flashlights, and to dress in layers to retain warmth if the power goes out. Residents are reminded never to touch or attempt to drive over downed power lines, as live wires can cause severe injury or death. The rush to buy generators has left many stores sold out, though some have received new shipments. For those with generators, officials urge caution: “Never run a generator inside, as they produce deadly carbon monoxide.”

Frozen pipes are another major concern. Metro Water Services recommends that residents locate their water shut-off valves before the storm, keep garage doors closed, insulate pipes, and let faucets drip to prevent freezing. If a pipe does freeze, they advise keeping the faucet open and applying gentle heat to the affected area using a heating pad, hair dryer, or towels soaked in hot water—but never an open flame. If a frozen pipe cannot be thawed, a licensed plumber should be called.

Metro Nashville Public Schools will notify families of closures or delays, promising that decisions will be communicated no later than 5:30 a.m. on affected days. If schools close, before- and after-care programs, as well as extracurricular activities, will be canceled. Some schools may offer inclement weather childcare if it is deemed safe for staff to travel.

At the Nashville International Airport, officials have not yet announced service changes but are urging passengers to allow extra travel time, monitor flight updates, and be aware that disruptions in other cities could still lead to delays or cancellations in Nashville. The court system may also adjust its schedule; residents are advised to check local court websites for closure information.

As the region prepares for a weekend of snow, ice, and bone-chilling cold, officials and agencies are urging caution, patience, and preparedness. While the storm’s exact impact remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky are in for a challenging few days, and the community’s resilience will be put to the test.