FEMA Assessing Damage from Deadly Tennessee Winter Storm

Federal agency joins local crews to document impacts of January's ice storm that left hundreds of thousands without power.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in Middle Tennessee assessing the damage from last month's deadly winter storm that knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of residents and claimed at least 29 lives across the state. FEMA and Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives have joined local emergency management crews to survey the impacted areas and gather information on the full extent of the storm's effects.

Why it matters

The FEMA assessment is a crucial step in determining if the region will qualify for federal disaster aid and resources to help with recovery efforts. The historic Arctic blast that coated Middle Tennessee in dangerous ice and snow caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage, with debris and impacts still being felt by residents weeks later.

The details

On Monday, the Hickman County Emergency Management Agency director confirmed that FEMA and SBA teams were on the ground locally, documenting damage, reviewing information, and assessing the overall impacts of the winter storm. Residents who previously reported storm damage through a survey may see the federal and local crews in their areas as part of the ongoing assessment process.

  • The deadly winter storm hit Middle Tennessee in January 2026.
  • FEMA and SBA representatives joined local crews on Monday, February 16, 2026 to assess the damage.

The players

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a federal agency that responds to disasters and coordinates relief efforts.

SBA

The U.S. Small Business Administration, a federal agency that provides support to small businesses, including disaster assistance.

Hickman County Emergency Management Agency

The local emergency management agency in Hickman County, Tennessee that is coordinating with federal partners on the damage assessment.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

The state-level emergency management agency that is urging residents to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season in Middle Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“We can confirm that federal partners were present locally today as part of the ongoing damage assessment and coordination process.”

— Hickman County EMA, Officials (wsmv.com)

“If you submitted damage through the survey, you may see EMA and FEMA teams in your area. We appreciate everyone who took the time to report damages. That information truly helps us show the full impact on our community.”

— Hickman County EMA, Officials (wsmv.com)

What’s next

The FEMA assessment will determine if the region qualifies for federal disaster aid and resources to support recovery efforts. In the meantime, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season in Middle Tennessee, which typically peaks in March, April, and May.

The takeaway

The FEMA damage assessment in Middle Tennessee is a critical step in securing federal support and resources to help the region recover from the devastating impacts of the deadly January winter storm. The collaboration between local, state, and federal emergency management agencies underscores the importance of coordinated disaster response and preparedness efforts.