KEY POINTS
- Over 70,000 Nashville Electric Service customers were without power as of 6 am Sunday, with numbers expected to rise.
- Snow, sleet, and ice forced school closures, business shutdowns, and road restrictions across Memphis and surrounding areas.
- Utility crews and emergency agencies have mobilized to restore services and clear downed power lines.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A severe winter storm swept across Middle Tennessee over the weekend, leaving tens of thousands without power and prompting emergency closures across the region.
As of Sunday morning, utility companies reported major outages affecting Davidson, Cheatham, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, and Sumner counties.
The winter storm, characterized by heavy snow, sleet, and subfreezing temperatures, created hazardous travel conditions and widespread disruptions.
Memphis and Middle Tennessee communities braced for prolonged outages, with residents urged to remain indoors and monitor local alerts.
Tennessee frequently experiences winter weather, but meteorologists described this event as unusually impactful due to the combination of snow accumulation, freezing rain, and high windchills.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Memphis issued ice storm and winter storm warnings from Friday evening through Sunday evening, citing accumulation rates near one inch per hour at the storm’s peak.
Doug McGowen, president of Memphis Light, Gas and Water, advised customers to anticipate intermittent outages and prepare for freezing pipes.
“Our crews are working around the clock, but ice laden power lines and heavy snow increase repair times,” McGowen said.
Scott Morgan, director of Memphis Public Works, highlighted road hazards during a Jan. 23 briefing. “Conditions are extremely dangerous.
Snow has shifted to sleet, sticking to roads and creating black ice,” Morgan said. He noted that over 100 tons of salt had already been applied to city streets.
Dr. Emily Harrison, meteorologist and researcher at the University of Tennessee, said the storm underscores the region’s vulnerability to compound winter hazards.
“Simultaneous snow, sleet, and freezing rain amplify power disruptions and public safety risks,” Harrison said.
| Customers Without Power | Utility / Area | Reported As Of | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70,000+ | Nashville Electric Service | 6 a.m. Sunday | Davidson County; expected to rise |
| 8,000 | Cumberland Electric Membership Corp | Sunday morning | Cheatham, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, Sumner counties |
| Not quantified | Pickett & Macon Counties | Sunday | Emergency agencies report downed lines |
Memphis resident Brian Barnett said he stocked fuel for a generator. “We tried to be as prepared as possible. Roads are nearly empty, and businesses have shut down,” Barnett said.
Ollie Waterbury, 10, described a lighter side of the storm, playing in snow at Overton Park. “We always come here first when snow hits,” said his mother, Whitney Waterbury.
Utility companies have dispatched crews to restore electricity, prioritizing critical infrastructure and high density areas.
Residents are advised to monitor official updates, limit travel, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The NWS forecasts a gradual warming trend in the coming days, which may accelerate snow melt and reduce ice hazards.
The winter storm in Middle Tennessee highlighted the region’s susceptibility to extreme winter weather, disrupting daily life and challenging utilities. Officials continue to respond, emphasizing preparedness, public safety, and infrastructure resilience.
FAQS
How many people lost power in Middle Tennessee during the winter storm?
A: Over 70,000 Nashville Electric Service customers and about 8,000 Cumberland Electric customers were affected.
What kind of weather hit Memphis during the storm?
A: Memphis experienced snow, sleet, and freezing rain with temperatures below freezing, making roads hazardous.
What should residents do during a power outage?
A: Report outages to local utilities, stay indoors, and follow emergency instructions.
What’s expected after the storm?
A: Utility crews are restoring power, and temperatures are forecasted to gradually rise, reducing ice and snow hazards.
Author’s Perspective
In my analysis, Tennessee’s winter storm underscores growing vulnerabilities in regional energy infrastructure amid extreme weather trends.
I predict utilities will adopt smart grid and predictive outage management systems to minimize service disruptions. For residents, this highlights the need for emergency preparedness.
NOTE! This report was compiled from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage.
