January 24 Winter Weather Update

Last updated 7:00 p.m., January 24

Severe Winter Weather is impacting roads especially in our area, but the ongoing freezing precipitation is likely to cause power outages and other issues.

The Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in preparation for forecast Severe Winter Weather on 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.

Weather Update:

• Snow is transitioning to a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain along and south of Interstate 40 at this time.
• The transition to a wintry mix will continue to lift northward into this evening, with freezing rain and liquid rain overspreading much of our area.
• Dangerous travel conditions unfolding areawide, scattered power outages are possible.
• Travel will remain dangerous to impossible in many locations through Sunday, with the increasing potential for power outages as ice accumulates on trees and power lines.
• Expect prolonged impacts with very cold temperatures into next week. Many locations forecast to stay near or below freezing Monday through Friday.
• OEM call totals: 1/24 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
  • Signal: 4
  • School Sec: 10
  • Salt: 10
  • Animal Control: 16
  • Fire: 4
  • TDOT: 18
  • Cold Patrol: 27
  • BDOT: 12
  • Assist: 5
  • NES: 4
  • Water: 2
  • Cold Exposure: 1

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

OEM 24-Hour Dispatch

We have a dual activation of sites so employees can arrive safely to one of the centers.

OEM's dispatch center is prepared; each shift will have additional coverage to help with increased call volume and dispatch resource needs for severe weather incidents.

Metro Nashville Public Schools Closed (MNPS)

Metro Nashville Public Schools will be closed Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27.

All before and after school care is cancelled unless the provider offers an inclement weather site. Families are encouraged to check with their provider for that information.

All after-school activities, including sports practices, games, performances and meetings are also cancelled.

District offices will also be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

More information on inclement weather plans can be found at mnps.org/weather.

Nashville Fire Department (NFD)

Fire Operations transitioned to storm mode Saturday morning. During this time NFD will reduce the 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)

Roadways across Nashville, both main thoroughfares and residential streets, remain slippery and hazardous. The MNPD is grateful to Nashvillians for heeding the advice to travel only if absolutely necessary. Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. today, 87 crashes were reported. Road conditions are expected to remain treacherous into the first of the week.

Department of Emergency Communications (DEC)

DEC processed over 280 911 emergency calls for and over 168 non-emergency calls for service throughout the day.

DEC is staffed for this weather event, and the tactical dispatch team is on standby. DEC remains prepared for increased call volume and are working 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.

Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT):

NDOT crews have been continuously clearing primary routes and will aim to start treating secondary routes this evening if conditions permit. Crews are working 12-hour shifts 24/7 while responding to this event. Please avoid travelling if possible and give our crews plenty of room to work.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 at Metro Water Services Outage Map.

Nashville Waste Services (NWS)

In advance of the storm's arrival, NWS teams began advising residents midweek to place their trash and recycling carts curbside to facilitate advance pickups. The department then accelerated collections in an effort to provide service to all remaining customers by Friday evening.

To ensure the operational readiness of our fleet during this winter storm, NWS has partnered with the Nashville Fairgrounds to store most of our refuse vehicles under cover. This step is vital in preventing mechanical issues that can arise from extreme cold and will help to maintain the longevity and operational use of our vehicles.

During the winter advisory period, NWS personnel will be working remotely to continue essential administrative duties.

For updates regarding operations or potential weather-related delays, follow the Nashville Waste Services social media channels (@NashvilleWasteServices) on Facebook and Instagram.

Metro Social Services (MSS):

MSS continues to monitor the weather system that has now arrived. MSS' team of social workers remain in contact with our vulnerable clients, checking in on them, making sure they are safe and at ease as the snow falls.

MSS will continue to assess the weather impact to determine office hours as we head into Monday.

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)

Update

01/23/26 OHS Night Emergency Overflow:

• 356 people for overnight sheltering
• 356 Hot meals, warm cots
• 12 Pets
• 79 bus passes distributed
• Onsite medical and behavioral health triage

01/24/26 Midday report: Utilizing a shelter in place model

• 320 people served during the day
• 320 Hot lunches served
• 12 Pets
• Onsite medical triage
• Transportation to the primary shelter

Ongoing Operational Events:

• Encouraging people to go to the primary shelters listed below as the first shelter option.
• Daily calls with Room in The Inn and the Nashville Rescue Mission to triage and monitor daily capacity needs.
• Provided transportation to the primary shelter, Nashville Rescue Mission
• Seeking additional kennels to accommodate pets.

Metro Overflow Shelter will operate on extended hours:

• Saturday, January 24 The shelter will operate on extended hours, remaining open for 24 hours.
• Sunday, January 25 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 9:00am on the opening day.

We 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 at Nashville Launch Pad.

Nashville Electric Services (NES)

NES customers expect safe and reliable power, and that is why we prepare all year for extreme weather incidents like this.

Our crews have been in rotating shifts since yesterday and will continue working 14-16-hour shifts throughout the weekend. NES trucks and equipment have been maintained and prepped, and our control room is monitoring the forecast and system reliability around the clock.

If customers experience outages, we will work safely and quickly until every customer's power has been restored.

Preparation by the Numbers

• 85 bucket trucks have been prepped
• Over 200 line crews are ready to respond
• 1200 bags of ice melt

Stay informed

• Report a power outage to NES using the outage map, by texting OUT to 637797 (NESPWR) from the phone number tied to your account or calling (615) 234-0000.
• NES also provides updates on restoration efforts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

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 < /a>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.

Davidson County Juvenile Court

Due to inclement weather and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our staff, families, and the community we serve, the Davidson County Juvenile Court will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026.

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 Nashville.gov/ncrb.

The Public Defender's Office

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