Prepare for Severe Winter Weather This Weekend

Last updated 7:00 p.m., January 23

The Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in preparation for forecast Severe Winter Weather beginning overnight Friday, January 23.

The Nashville Office of the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning for our area that is in effect from January 24 at 12:00 a.m. until January 25 at 6:00 p.m..

A Winter Storm Warning indicates that heavy snow of at least 6 inches in 12 hours, or at least 8 inches in 24 hours, is expected. It can also be issued if sleet accumulation will be at least half an inch.

What to Expect

• Probabilities for freezing rain and/or sleet continue to increase farther north and west. This is resulting in a shift of heaviest snow chances as well.
• Overall chances for accumulating ice have increased west of the Cumberland Plateau.
• Confidence remains high in significant impacts from winter weather this weekend.
• A major winter storm, Saturday through Sunday, followed by very cold temperatures.
• Uncertainties remain on specific amounts, especially along the I-40 corridor and south, due to mixed precipitation types.
• Temperatures will take a nosedive well below freezing Sunday night, resulting in prolonged impacts.

OEM will conduct Winter Patrols and Cold Patrols throughout the weekend and into the beginning of next week. During Winter Patrols OEM goes out to assess areas, assist stranded motorists, checking large power outage areas, checking facilities and/ or responding in emergency incidents.

Cold patrols focus on outreach, wellness checks, and connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with available warming resources.

During these patrols, teams will check on areas known to be inhabited by the unhoused, offering transportation to shelters, providing winter kits with essential supplies to stay warm, and connecting individuals with additional resources.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local weather updates and to report to anyone in need of assistance during extreme cold conditions.

OEM prepared for the Winter Storm this week by:

• Ensuring vehicles, generators, and ATVs are fueled, ready, and operational
• Charging battery-powered lights, tools, and drone equipment
• Preparing cold weather kits for distribution with help of CRC resources for cold patrols if they run into anyone that needs assistance while doing their assessments.
• OEM made snack kits for distribution with food provided by Second Harvest Food Bank for cold patrol distribution

Nashville Fire Department (NFD)

Fire Operations will continue to evaluate weather conditions. If deemed necessary, we will switch to storm mode response to reduce number of resources dispatched for non-critical incidents.

NFD shared instructional videos on chain installation and operations for heavy apparatus earlier this week to prepare personnel for their use if needed.

All fire stations now have back-up generators to ensure continuity of operations for fire facilities if there is a loss of power.

The public should remember it may take the NFD longer to get to an incident scene because of road conditions and to ensure the safe operation of our apparatus.

For the safety of our personnel, NFD asks everyone to use caution while driving near emergency equipment and NFD members on or near roadways. Public safety and the safety of first responders should be everyone's primary focus.

Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD)

With snow and dangerously cold temperatures predicted for this weekend into next week, Community Engagement officers have begun visiting known areas for the unhoused to ensure they know of the forecast and encourage them to take advantage of community shelters.

Traffic Division officers on Friday will be checking highways and major surface streets for removal of any abandoned vehicles so that they do not impede snowplow and salt truck operations.

Officers encourage Nashvillians to closely watch weather developments, and once freezing precipitation starts, limit travel to only that which is absolutely necessary. Those who must travel are urged to pack an emergency kit with blankets, food and water.

Department of Emergency Communications (DEC)

DEC is fully staffed for this weather event, and the tactical dispatch team is on standby. DEC personnel are prepared for increased call volume and are coordinating closely with police, fire, EMS, and emergency management partners as conditions change.

You should call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life, health, property, or public safety. This includes fires, serious medical emergencies, crashes with injuries, active crimes, or any situation where help is needed right away.

For non-emergency situations, call 311, selecting option one or call 615-862-8600.

Using the correct number helps keep 911 lines available for emergencies and allows responders to get where they are needed most. If you are unsure, call 911. Telecommunicators will help determine the appropriate response.

Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT)

NDOT crews are on standby to treat roads during the weather event. Crews have already pre-treated primary, secondary, and post-secondary routes with brine. Trucks are being switched over from brine solution to salt, with crews on call to respond when the weather arrives. While there is still a good amount of uncertainty around timing, precipitation type, and precipitation amounts, the event is trending toward higher ice accumulations. The department is preparing to respond to an ice and snow event.

NDOT uses a comprehensive list of primary, secondary, and post-secondary snow removal routes to maximize efficiency and cover as much of the county as possible. Like last year, post-secondary routes will replace call-in requests, but reports can still be made to hubNashville and will be used for data gathering and evaluation to inform future winter weather response.

Metro Water Services (MWS)

MWS encourages homeowners to protect their pipes. Water expands when it freezes, and frozen pipes are at risk of breaking. If properties experience a frozen or broken pipe, they should contact a plumber as MWS is unable to respond to private plumbing issues.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and backflow preventers.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

How to prevent frozen pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Close vents to crawl spaces to protect pipes and cover outdoor spigots.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• Insulate backflow preventers and provide a heater, if necessary.

How to safely thaw a frozen pipe

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Locate you water shut off valve

• The ability to quickly close this valve may prevent further damage to your home in the event one of your interior pipes burst.
• The shut-off valve may be in the basement, under the kitchen sink, in a utility closet, near the hot water heater, or even under your home in a crawl space.
• If you think you have found it, be sure to test it.
• If you cannot locate your inside shut-off valve or do not have one installed, we recommend that you contact your plumber.

Additionally, when temperatures rise, an increase in water main breaks caused by ground shift is anticipated. Potential water main breaks should be reported to MWS as soon as possible to 615-862-4600. If water is seen bubbling up in a roadway or flowing in an unusual place, or residents experience a water outage or unexplained low pressure, it may be the result of a broken water main. Current break investigations or active break repairs can be viewed on the MWS Outage map at Metro Water Services Outage Map.

Nashville Waste Services (NWS)

Due to the winter advisory, trash and recycling collection services will not be provided on Saturday, January 24, 2026. All Convenience Centers will also be closed Saturday, January 24.

Metro Social Services is continuing to monitor the weather in preparation of the anticipated winter weather system. Executive Director Renée Pratt has deployed various teams within the department to anticipate and respond to critical needs for vulnerable clients. Additionally, she has been in communication with Chief William Swann of the Office of Emergency Management. Constant communication and coordination between Dir. Pratt, MSS leadership, and OEM will continue through the weather system. Below is a breakdown of MSS' response in preparation to the storm and what is expected over the weekend.

Metro Social Services (MSS):

Metro Social Services is continuing to monitor the weather in preparation of the anticipated winter weather system. Executive Director Renée Pratt has deployed various teams within the department to anticipate and respond to critical needs for vulnerable clients. Additionally, she has been in communication with Chief William Swann of the Office of Emergency Management. Constant communication and coordination between Dir. Pratt, MSS leadership, and OEM will continue through the weather system. Below is a breakdown of MSS' response in preparation to the storm and what is expected over the weekend.

Precautions Taken Prior to the Snow System

Regular & Snow Meal Delivery

This service is specifically for our homebound clients in congregate settings and private residences. Clients include seniors and those who are disabled.

710 - meals delivered by our Home Ambassadors to our current clients as part of our regular weekly meal deliveries.
31 - Snow Meal boxes (supplemental food) were also delivered this week to current clients to carry them through the snow event, should the snow impact their access to food. The boxes can last up to one week. Food included does not require electricity to open or prepare.

All of our clients received Snow Meals beginning in November so they can hold them should a winter weather system hit. This week, we delivered additional to clients who stated they ate from their box ahead of the storm.

Supplemental Food Supply

Food provided to the general public.

In continuation of our initiative "Hunger No More Nashville", a direct response to Nashville's food insecurity, we facilitated two smaller Food Pop Ups Thursday. We moved them up to Jan.22 in anticipation of the storm, ensuring vulnerable residents had food to carry them through the weather system

• North (37208 area) - 300 boxes
• South (Coleman Park Community Center) - 250 boxes

Nashville Office of Homeless Services (OHS)

OHS along with other Metro Departments are preparing for a week of low temperatures.
We are closely monitoring the weather and final decisions are made by noon the prior day with a text alert at 9:00 a.m. on the opening day.

Metro Overflow Shelter will operate on extended hours starting Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 23 7:00 p.m.- The Metro Overflow Shelter will operate on extended hours.
*OHS will continue to closely monitor the temperatures over the next 7 days.

Please encourage individuals to continue to utilize the primary shelters until they reach full capacity. OHS will closely coordinate with local primary emergency shelters to make adjustments and transportation arrangements as needed.

Metro Emergency Shelter operates as the overflow shelter; please continue to use the regular Emergency Shelter options at Room In the Inn and Nashville Rescue Mission.

Cold Patrol and Outreach Teams, make every attempt to deliver people to the primary shelter options prior to utilizing the Metro Overflow Shelter. When transporting people to the Metro building, ensure people actually enter the building prior to driving away.

Launch Pad Emergency Shelter provides shelter for unstably housed young adults 18-24 in an LGBTQ+ affirming atmosphere. Details about hours, locations, and procedures will be provided to young adults via email upon sign-up through Nashville Launchpad.

Text the word OHSALERT to 888-777. We will text you each time Metro opens the shelter.

Call 615-862-6391.

Visit the websites below and other social media platforms: www.Nashville.gov/Homeless.

Nashville Electric Services (NES)

NES continues to diligently monitor upcoming weather forecasts and is anticipating severe weather this weekend. Extreme winter weather conditions may lead to safety hazards and power outages. While we are prepared to address potential outages, we want our customers to be ready and safe. Upcoming weather may cause dangerous road conditions. We encourage you to stay informed, limit travel if possible and follow the safety tips below.

Tips for severe weather:

• Never use the oven to heat your home.
• Never use outdoor grilling appliances or charcoal to heat the inside of your home.
• When using a space heater, refrain from plugging it into a power strip, surge protector, or extension cord. Instead, plug the space heater directly into the wall outlet by itself and never leave it running unattended.
• To prevent a fire hazard, keep blankets and other flammable items far away from portable heaters and place portable heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface. Keep children and pets away from portable heaters.
• Assemble an emergency kit to include essentials, like non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets, flashlights and fresh batteries. Also make sure you have enough prescription medications, formula and diapers, if needed.
• Keep your phone charged. If you have a portable phone charger, ensure it is also fully charged.
• While we do not expect intermittent reductions in power flow, it's helpful to reduce your energy demand during extreme weather by setting thermostats no higher than 68 degrees. You can even set your thermostat down a degree or two to help conserve energy and reduce usage. Put on a sweater and warm socks to stay warm, and add an extra blanket on the bed before going to sleep.
• Inclement weather conditions may result in downed power lines. If you see a downed line, always assume it is live and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away from the line and encourage others to avoid contact with the line as well. Call 9-1-1 to report hazardous conditions and wait for NES crews to assess damage.

In the event of a power outage:

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to preserve food as long as possible. Food in the fridge will be safe if power is out less than four hours. A full freezer will hold food safely for 48 hours.
• Operate your generator outside for proper ventilation.
• Never refuel your generator when it is running. Let it cool down first.
• Never hook up a generator directly to your home's electrical service or wiring. This can cause back feeding and pose a serious risk to NES line workers.
• To ensure your home retains as much heat as possible, make sure window drapes are closed at night time, keep garage doors closed and seal all cracks and leaks near windows or doors with a strong sealant.
• Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
• Set your ceiling fan directional setting to clockwise to push warm airflow down into the room. For more tips, visit the NES website.

Tips to stay informed:

• Report a power outage to NES through your account on the NES website, by texting OUT to 637797 (NESPWR) from the phone number tied to your account, calling 615-234-0000, or reporting it directly to our outage map.
• Stay informed on the status of your outage by visiting our outage map or following us on social media.

Protect yourself during a power outage:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Use alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or power-dependent medical devices.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
• Check on neighbors.

WeGo

Due to winter weather, WeGo Public Transit will operate only on major corridors and with snow route detours on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25.

Bus routes operating this weekend are:

• 3 West End
• 4S Shelby
• 7 Hillsboro
• 8 8th Avenue South
• 22 Bordeaux
• 23 Dickerson Pike
• 50 Charlotte Pike
• 52 Nolensville Pike
• 55 Murfreesboro Pike
• 56 Gallatin Pike

WeGo Access service will operate in a limited capacity, providing service for medical and essential trips only this weekend. Access on Demand will operate at the providers discretion. Paratransit customers are advised to prepare for possible delays as drivers will be proceeding with caution through neighborhoods. If conditions are unsafe, affected customers will be notified.

Snow routes will apply to the major routes running and are pre-designated detours so buses can navigate safely during inclement weather. Riders are advised to check the WeGo weather alerts web page to see how a snow route may impact their bus stop.

As road conditions change, WeGo may make further adjustments to its operating schedule. Any changes will be communicated on the website and social media.

Safety is our number one priority, so please be aware that there may be additional delays as bus operators are proceeding cautiously. Allow for additional travel time so we can help get you where you need to go safely.

Riders are advised to check the WeGo website and social media pages before leaving to ensure they have the latest service updates. Customers should also check mobile real-time information on the Transit App, which can be downloaded in your app store. Follow WeGo Public Transit on social media (@WeGoTransit) and visit WeGoTransit.com for continuous updates.

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Important information for BNA® passengers

• Check the forecast - Monitor weather updates regularly for any changes.
• Check flight status - Confirm your flight and stay alert for any updates from your airline.
• Arrive early - Allow extra time for parking, check-in, and security screening.
• Pack smart - Keep essentials like medications in your carry-on bag.
• Sign up for BNA text alerts - Get the latest updates and helpful travel tips sent straight to your phone.

For more travel tips and updates, passengers are welcome to visit flynashville.com/winter and follow us on social media.

Metro Nashville Davidson County Closures

Nashville Public Libraries:
Nashville Public Library locations will be closed on Saturday, January 24. Please use the library online at library.nashville.gov

Metro Parks:
For the safety of the public and our employees, all Metro Parks facilities and offices will be closed Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, due to the forecasted weather conditions. A closure extension through Monday, January 26, is likely and will be confirmed based on weather conditions.

Circuit Court Clerk's Offices Closed - Monday, January 26, 2026
The Offices of the Circuit Court Clerk (Circuit, Probate, General Sessions-Civil, Traffic Violations Bureau, and Resource Center) will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to inclement weather.

E-Filing remains available 24/7 for submissions, and CaseLink is available 24/7 for record searches.

General Sessions Courts and State Criminal Trial Courts:
In response to the inclement weather forecast, all dockets and operations of General Sessions Courts and Trial Courts will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, including jail dockets.

Night Court will still be operational. Notice about subsequent days will be forthcoming. Attorneys should e-file a notice of new hearing date. With regards to Pro Se litigants, the Clerk's office will reset these cases for you when Courts re-open.

The Traffic Violation Bureau will stay the compliance process until the office reopens.

Circuit and Probate Courts:

• 1st Circuit - No Dockets
• 2nd Circuit - No Dockets
• 3rd Circuit - No Dockets
• Monday Child Support Services Docket - Cancelled
• Order of Protection hearings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday will be continued.
• Updated orders resetting cases will be mailed to all parties.
• Individuals with questions may contact the Clerk's Office for assistance.
• Parties are encouraged to monitor their respective Judges' media platforms for updates.
• 4th Circuit - No Dockets
• Monday Child Support Services Docket - Cancelled
• Adoption Docket - Cancelled
• Order of Protection hearings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday will be continued.
• Updated orders resetting cases will be mailed to all parties.
• Individuals with questions may contact the Clerk's Office for assistance.
• Parties are encouraged to monitor their respective Judges' media platforms for updates.
• 5th Circuit - No Dockets
• 6th Circuit - No Dockets or Oral Arguments
• 7th Circuit / Probate - No Dockets
• Please see special message posted on our website regarding hearings for this week.
• 8th Circuit - No Dockets
• Staff working remotely.

The Clerk's Office will post any further information as we receive it on our app, website and social media platforms.

The Clerk and Master's Office:

The Clerk and Master's Office will be closed to the public Monday, January 26, 2026 as the Metro Courthouse is closed due to inclement weather.

There is a "contact us" function on our office website to reach us for any urgent matter.

Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC):

Metro Animal Care and Control will be closed to the public on Saturday, January 24.

Animal Control Officers will respond to emergency calls for service as they are safely able to do so.

Nashville Community Review Board (NCRB)

Monthly Board Meeting
Monday, January 26, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. (Postponed)
Location: Howard School Building

NCRB is working on rescheduling the meeting for another date and will update the community once confirmed.

Additionally, the NCRB physical office will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, and staff will be working remotely.

If an individual wants to file a police complaint or commendation, they can contact us on our 24-hour complaint line at 615-880-1801 or they can file a complaint electronically at www.nashville.gov/ncrb.

The Public Defender's Office:

The Public Defender's Office will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Preparing for Winter Weather

• Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing.
• Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication.
• Remember the needs of your pets.
• Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
• If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.

Heating Safety

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
• Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Portable Generator Safety

• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust by operating your generator outside for proper ventilation.
• Never refuel your generator when it is running. Let it cool down first.
• Do not store fuel in a garage, basement or inside your home. Vapors can be released that can cause illness and are a potential fire hazard.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector inside your home to warn you in case of a gas leak.
• Never hook up a generator directly to your home's electrical service or wiring. This can cause back feeding and poses a serious risk to NES line workers.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

Driving Safety

• You should be careful when traveling on roadways. Freezing rain, sleet, black ice, and fog are all hazards to be aware of when driving.
• You can check current road conditions online on the TDOT Smartway Map.
• If weather reports indicate icy conditions, consider staying off the roads until they are clear.
• Black ice is highly transparent, so it is hard to see while driving.
• Tips that may help if you get caught in areas of black ice:
• Keep your steering wheel straight. If you turn the wheel, you have a better chance of sliding and losing control of your vehicle.
• Do not brake. Braking causes the vehicle to slide, especially if you brake too hard.
• Take your foot off the accelerator to reduce speed. It is best to let the car stop on its own if you have enough room in front of you.
  Protect your Pets:
• Bring your furry friends inside when temperatures take a dip! More pet prep tips: www.ready.gov/pets
• Wipe dog's paws after each trip outside. Ice-melting chemicals or rock salt can cause irritation, sickness or be fatal.
• Your pet may think antifreeze is sweet, but it can be deadly.

Prepare now for lost power

• #WinterStorms can cause power outages prepare now: www.ready.gov/power-outages
• Make a plan to check on neighbors if extreme cold or winter weather knocks out your power.
• Power Outage tip: Dim the brightness in your cell phone settings to save battery life.

Helpful Links

NES Power Outage Center
Heating Safety
Winter Driving Safety
NES Power Outage Tips
TDOT Smartway Map
Winter Weather and Pets