January 29 Winter Weather Update

The Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to respond and support recovery efforts for Metro Nashville Davidson County in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern.

The Metro Nashville Police Department announced that the Medical Examiner's Office has identified 4 suspected weather-related deaths in Davidson County.

• A woman, in her 90s, was transported to Vanderbilt Monday morning from her assisted living apartment that had lost power. She had reportedly fallen and was found by staff.
• A woman, who was subsequently identified through her fingerprints as a 46-year-old, was found Monday at 10:20 a.m. near the intersection of Lindell and Wedgewood Avenues. A passerby who was walking in the area discovered the individual and flagged down a police officer. She was declared deceased at the scene. It appeared that the person may have slid down a small hill.
• A 39-year-old man from Tuesday afternoon on Premier Drive. When his housemates returned home, they heard a generator running near the victim's bed and found their friend unresponsive. He was transported to Vanderbilt where he was pronounced deceased. The first responding officers reported that the home had a strong odor of unventilated fumes. It is suspected that the deceased succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, although an autopsy is pending.
• A 92-year-old man from Wednesday afternoon on Blank Street. He had a generator outside powering a small heater via an extension cord. When his sister checked on him Tuesday, he was in good spirits. On Wednesday, when his sister went by, the generator was not running (unknown why-it did have gasoline). He was found deceased inside where it was 47 degrees.
• Causes of death in these cases are pending the Medical Examiner's findings.

Metro Nashville Departments and community partners are focused on ongoing efforts to restore power to thousands of people still without electricity, provide warming locations with transportation provided, provide meals at shelters and to vulnerable communities, and provide information about resources available to impacted residents.

Thursday the Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), The United Way and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, announced The Winter Weather Relief Fund for individuals and families affected by the storm to apply for relief.

Funds will be used as needed to address current needs and emerging needs, such as food and supplies. In the coming days, once community needs can be assessed, funds will be used for cleanup and debris removal.

Winter Weather Relief Fund

United Way Greater Nashville

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

If you have an unmet need, call the United Way's 2-1-1 hotline for available resources and support. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps connect people to local resources available to help in times of crisis and beyond.

Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 to get started. United Way's 2-1-1 line is already fielding about 50% more calls. United Way is encouraging callers to remain patient and stay on the line when you do call.

VOAD also launched their needs tracker for Davidson County residents where they can put in their needs, damage information and resources needed. The needs tracker is at NashvilleResponds.com.

NFD, MNPD and Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) continue to provide safe transportation to area Warming Locations for Davidson County residents as needed. for people's home is also provided once their power is restored.

To request transportation call 615-401-1712. DEC personnel answering the hotline have access to interpreters so anyone, regardless of the language they speak, can request assistance getting to a warm, safe location. They will also work to get you back home when your power is restored.

Please be prepared to provide this information:

• Your name
• Your current location
• The number of people needing transportation
• Are there special needs or mobility concerns?
• Do you have pets? (pets are allowed for transportation)

Since the transportation hotline started on Sunday, personnel from the Nashville Fire Department and the Metro Nashville Police Department have transported more than 625 people.

OEM is using Wireless Emergency Alerts to share important information about shelter locations. The community may continue to receive additional alerts as this event continues or when conditions change. These alerts matter and are meant to reach as many people as possible, so please do not disable them.

Warming locations are at all Nashville Fire Stations and Metro Nashville Police Precincts, except for the Central Precinct and East Precinct, for residents affected by the current cold weather.

• All Nashville Fire Stations are available as safe warming spots. The Nashville Fire Department operates 39 Fire Stations across Davidson County.
• Metro Police Precincts are available to the public for warming. These include North, West, Hermitage, Madison, South, Midtown Hills, and Southeast precincts. Please note the Central Precinct and East Precinct are NOT available as a warming shelter.

These locations will be open 24/7 until further notice.

In addition, these other locations are also open 24/7, with overnight accommodation and access to food:

• Southeast Regional Community Center: 5260 Hickory Hollow Parkway, Suite 202, Antioch, TN 37013
• Madison Community Center: 550 N Dupont Avenue, Madison, TN 37115
• Nashville Fairgrounds: 401 Wingrove Street, Nashville, TN 37203

Pets are allowed to be brought to the locations. You are requested to bring a crate for your pet.

Transportation requests will be handled as resources allow, with priority given to those most vulnerable to extreme cold.

Warming Location Clients

Clients on Monday overnight

• Southeast Community Center: 63
• Madison Community Center: 71
• Fairgrounds Location: 305

Clients on Tuesday Overnight

• Southeast Community Center: 80
• Madison Community Center: 60
• Fairgrounds Location: 450

Clients on Wednesday Overnight

• Southeast Community Center: 58
• Madison Community Center: 65
• Nashville Fairgrounds: 279
• Margaret Allen Middle School: 11

Metro Public Health is providing nurses and mental health professionals to provide services at the Fairgrounds location.

Nashville Humane Association is providing pet support at shelters.

Officers from the Metro Police Department are staffing our three largest shelters at the Fairgrounds, Madison Community Center and Southeast Community Center. Those shelters combined had 402 persons overnight.

MNPD Chief John Drake has arranged for officers on overtime to complement on-duty shifts as we work through storm recovery. More than 100 additional officers and supervisors per day over three shifts are providing extra patrols to neighborhoods without power and are available to assist with shelter transportations.

Nashville OEM encourages community members to check on neighbors, family members, and others who may need assistance during cold weather events.

Warming Location Map

Food Distribution Information

Winter weather has created ongoing challenges for families across the region. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Emergency Management partners are coordinating closely with community organizations, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, to have access to food.

Neighbors looking for food assistance can find nearby food pantries and distribution sites by visiting Second Harvest.

Weather conditions may impact hours of operations. Neighbors are strongly encouraged to call the pantry or distribution site ahead of time to confirm hours before traveling.

Many of Nashville's hospitality companies have provided support since the beginning of the storm - from donations to warming shelters to free or discounted meals for Metro staff, NES teams and other linemen working around the clock.

Discounted Hotel Reservations for Impacted Residents

The Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp and the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association and their members are providing discounted hotel lodging for residents.

There is a central database of dozens of hotels in and around Nashville offering deeply reduced rates for residents needing longer-term accommodation. That list is available at visitmusiccity.com/hotel-local-discounts.

Residents without internet access can call the NCVC at 615-259-4700 to help locate available options.

That same page also includes updated status information for many local restaurants and attractions, including openings, closures, and adjusted operating hours residents should check the database consistently since it is updated frequently.

Nashville Office of Homeless Services

January 28 OHS Night Emergency Overflow

• 390 people for overnight sheltering
• 390 Hot meals, warm cots
• Pets
• Bus passes distributed
• Onsite medical and behavioral health triage

January 29 Midday report

Utilizing a shelter in place model

• 154 people served during the day
• 154 Hot lunches served
• 5 Pets
• Onsite medical triage
• Transportation to the primary shelters
• Meals provided by Mercy Chief and World Central Kitchen

Metro Overflow Shelter will operate on extended hours:

• Thursday, January 29 - The shelter will operate on extended hours, remaining open for 24 hours
• Friday, January 30 - The shelter will operate on extended hours, remaining open for 24 hours

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.

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 adjust and transportation arrangements as needed.

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 the Launch Pad website.

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: Nashville.gov/homeless

WeGo Central

Please arrive at WeGo at 6:30 p.m. Folks downtown can catch the #23B bus to the shelter from WeGo Central at 400 Charlotte Avenue. People should go downstairs to the lower level at WeGo Central and wait at Bay 24 for the #23B bus. Both the number and letter are important: 2-3-B. We will partner with agencies to secure crates for animals, as all animals will need to be in a crate this year. Bus passes given out in the morning is good for All Day Rides.

Free Shuttle

The free shuttle will pick up at the stops outlined in the attachments. Please note: we are operating a pilot program with additional stops at the Madison Co-op.

Metro Nashville Government Operations

Many of Metro Nashville's offices will be open on Friday. However, due to weather impacts on roads and staffing some offices may be working remotely.

If you have in-person business with the Metro Department, contact the department first to determine if they are open or if they are working remotely.

Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)

Metro Nashville Public Schools will remain closed on Friday due to the weather.

Update from Nashville Electric Service (NES)

NES teams worked tirelessly throughout the night to make repairs and restore power to customers after a historic severe storm with snow, freezing rain and ice impacted the region. As of 11:30 a.m. today, NES lineworkers have restored power to 139,000 customers. NES and contracted lineworkers will continue operations in rotations, and they will remain on extended 14-hour to 16 hour shifts to ensure we can continue responding quickly to help our customers.

Right now:

• we have about 84,000 customers currently without power
• there are 426 broken poles across our service area

NES has deployed more than 930 lineworkers to continue restoration efforts and help our customers. NES currently has lineworkers from Florida, Maryland, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Mississippi, Indiana and Tennessee in the field. Additionally, 215 vegetation management team members as well as supplemental contract teams have been deployed to complement restoration efforts and ensure lineworkers can continue reaching their sites efficiently.

Today, NES is deploying 42 more vegetation management team members to the field, making a total of 257 vegetation management personnel. Additionally, more lineworkers are being deployed to assist with restoration efforts at 4:30 p.m., making a total of 1,084 lineworkers in the field. This is the most in NES History.

Currently, these are the areas with our largest outages:

• West Nashville
• Bellevue
• Belle Meade
• Forest Hills
• Brentwood
• Melrose / Berry Hill
• Madison
• Bordeaux
• Brick Church
• East Nashville
• Green Hills
• Whites Creek
• Joelton
• Goodlettsville
• Antioch

To help customers after this massive storm, NES is ceasing disconnections for nonpayment and waiving late fees until further notice. In addition, NES has added a Storm Q&A section to its outages web page to answer frequently asked questions. The page also now has a detailed color map showing which neighborhoods have power restored and which areas have outages.

We have also received reports of individuals charging homeowners $2,200 to repair damaged meter bases and other equipment. While it is true that homeowners are responsible for the weatherhead, service mast, and meter base, we're asking customers to follow these steps to avoid scams and stay safe:

1. Verify Credentials: Only hire licensed and registered electrical contractors.
2. Get a Second Opinion: A $2,200 quote for a simple meter base repair is often an extreme markup.
3. Don't Be Pressured: Real contractors will provide written estimates along with their credentials and won't demand immediate cash or digital wire transfers on your doorstep.

How to Stay Updated

• If you are without power, please report it by texting OUT to 637797 (NESPWR) from the phone number linked to your account, or by calling 615-234-0000.
• NES will share restoration information on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook throughout the event.

Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT)

NDOT crews continue working around the clock to clear Nashville roads, support emergency response and assist Nashville Electric Service (NES) with power restoration efforts by clearing obstructions and vegetation from impacted streets.

NDOT crews are currently working to clear trees, limbs and other vegetation from the right-of-way. NDOT does not clear downed trees or vegetation from the right-of-way until NES has cleared the lines assuring that no power is running to them. Once lines are cleared, NDOT will return and clear the roadway. This is not an immediate process and takes some time to complete.

NDOT does not clear or remove fallen trees, limbs, or vegetation on private property.

Many residents have downed trees, limbs, and other vegetation on their property. As residents begin recovery efforts, they should move brush to the curb of their property. Do not block storm drains, culverts, or drainage ditches with brush.

NDOT will be adding supplemental countywide residential brush collection for brush that is at the curb. More information about dates will be available in the coming days.

In addition to the work described above, NDOT has 22 right-of-way inspectors deployed across the county evaluating infrastructure including signs, signals, delineators, speed cushions, sidewalks, bike lanes, pavement issues, potholes and any other damage they may encounter.

As a reminder, 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.

To report a non-emergency issue affecting a Metro Nashville street, visit hub.nashville.gov

Metro Water Services

Metro Water Services (MWS) is urging all property owners-residential and commercial-to take immediate steps to protect their water systems from cold weather damage. Water expands when it freezes. Frozen pipes and unprotected backflow prevention assemblies can lead to costly repairs, water loss, and service disruptions.

As temperatures drop, MWS is asking every customer to take simple, proactive steps now- insulate exposed pipes, protect and winterize backflow assemblies, check for leaks, and make sure you know how to shut off your water in an emergency. A few simple steps taken today can prevent costly damage and help safeguard our entire water system during the upcoming cold snap.

All MWS facilities and operational functions are fully staffed.

Operations

• Omohundro and the K.R. Harrington Water Treatment Plants have returned to NES power. We also have ample fuel and can return to using generator power, if necessary.
• Water pumpage yesterday (1/28/26) increased to 141 MGD (We pumped 101 MGD same day last week, 1/21/26)

Response

• Our repair and maintenance crews are working 24 hours a day through 3 shifts to ensure continued safe, clean, and reliable water services. Additionally, we have reallocated assignments to provide more First Responders.
• We also have stormwater crews and equipment available to assist water crews in addition to contractors available to supplement repair activities.
• Customer Care field activities are on 24/7 shifts and responding to emergency requests.

Water main breaks are posted on our Outage Map.

We are still experiencing system issues in the Joelton and Union Hill areas but are seeing improvement.

Pipes that Freeze Most Frequently

• 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.

Guidance for Residential Property Owners

• 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 the cold 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 are away from home during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• Drain seasonal irrigation systems before temperatures drop

Taking these precautions helps prevent costly water damage and reduces the risk of service interruptions during severe weather.

Guidance for Commercial and Industrial Properties

• Inspect all backflow assemblies, especially those located outdoors or in unconditioned mechanical rooms and ensure they are in good working condition.
• Use insulated covers, heat tape, or approved enclosures to shield assemblies from freezing temperatures.
• Ensure mechanical rooms remain above freezing, checking for drafts or HVAC issues.
• Install supplemental heat sources (e.g., heat tape or thermostatically controlled heaters) where needed.
• Drain and winterize irrigation backflow devices that are not in use during winter months.
• Schedule certified testing if a device is suspected to have frozen or been exposed to extreme temperatures.

Proper winterization not only prevents system downtime and costly emergency repairs, but it also helps maintain regulatory compliance and protects the public water supply from potential contamination.

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.
• If properties experience a frozen or broken pipe, they should contact a plumber as MWS is unable to respond to private plumbing issues.

Locate your Water Shut-off Valve NOW to Prevent Extensive Damage in the Event of a Break:

• 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.

Stay Prepared and Stay Informed

MWS encourages all customers to monitor weather forecasts and take action before temperatures drop. Weather related announcements from MWS will be posted on our social media platforms @NashvilleMWS.

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.

Nashville Waste Services

Nashville Waste Services (NWS) will launch a safety-first return to residential trash collection, where conditions allow, beginning Friday, January 30, as part of a comprehensive multi-day recovery effort.

Revised Collection Schedule

To ensure as many neighborhoods as possible are reached before the city's new collection schedule transition on February 3, NWS crews will work through the weekend following this adjusted calendar:

• Friday, January 30: Regular Friday routes will be serviced.
• Saturday, January 31: Regular Monday and Tuesday routes will be serviced.
• Sunday, February 1: Regular Wednesday routes will be serviced.
• Monday, February 2: Regular Thursday routes will be serviced.

Reminder: Starting February 3, Nashville Waste Services will shift to a new residential trash and recycling collection schedule.

What Residents Need to Know

Trash Only: Crews are focusing exclusively on household trash. Curbside recycling remains on hold until the new collections schedule begins February 3.

Leave Carts Out: Please place your trash carts at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated recovery day listed above.

Emergency Trash Drop-Off Sites

To provide immediate relief for residents in hard-to-reach areas, NWS is currently coordinating to deploy Emergency Drop-Off Sites (large open-top dumpsters) at centralized neighborhood locations.

As sites become open and available, residents should visit NWS on Facebook or Instagram for a real-time list of active locations. These sites are free of charge.

Convenience Centers: Special Sunday and Monday Hours

To provide residents with more options for storm debris and household waste, all four Metro Convenience Centers-which are normally closed on Sundays and Mondays-will be open (8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) through Saturday, February 7 with these additional days:

• Sunday, February 1: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, February 2: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Fee Waiver: Fees remain waived for all residents at these locations through Saturday, February 7.

Department of Emergency Communications

• DEC remains fully staffed and operational, with additional personnel assigned. The tactical dispatch team remains activated.
• DEC personnel continue to staff the warming center transportation assistance hotline. Call takers have access to interpreters so anyone, regardless of language, can request help getting to a warm, safe location.
• Since the start of this weather event, hubNashville has received more than 10,000 requests and answered over 2,500 calls from Nashvillians. By using hub, 911 lines are kept open for those who need to report life threatening emergencies.
• Throughout this event, over 35,014 incidents have been entered in our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

Generator Safety from the American Red Cross

The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Follow the directions supplied with the generator.

• To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.
• Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator.

Local laws may restrict the amount of fuel you may store, or the storage location. Ask your local fire department.

Store the fuel outside of living areas in a locked shed or other protected area. To guard against accidental fire, do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage.

Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.

Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as "backfeeding," this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.

Remember, even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded, resulting in overheating or generator failure. Be sure to read the instructions.

If necessary, stagger the operating times for various equipment to prevent overloads.

Avoiding Scams

You can check to see if a business is licensed/bonded by checking with Metro Codes at: 615-862-6560.

Protecting Yourself from Contractor and Repair Scams

• Verify Credentials: Ask for identification, licenses, and proof of insurance from contractors. Check with your state or county government to confirm their license is active.
• Get Written Contracts: Never rely on verbal agreements; ensure all repairs, costs, and timelines are in writing.
• Payment Terms: Avoid paying in full upfront. Only make the final payment once the work is completed to your satisfaction.
• Be Skeptical: Beware of contractors who pressure you to make quick decisions, offer "too good to be true" prices, or solicit door-to-door.

Avoiding Government Impersonation Scams

• FEMA is Free: FEMA does not charge application fees. Anyone asking for money to help you get FEMA funds is a scammer.
• Verify Officials: Real inspectors carry official photo ID. Do not give out bank account or social security numbers to anyone claiming to be a government official who called you directly.

Securing Personal Information and Finances

• Guard Information: Do not share personal financial information over the phone or email.
• Avoid Quick Payments: Never pay for services using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Report Fraud: If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC, contact your state attorney general, or call the FEMA Disaster Helpline.