Middle Tennessee Braces for More Cold After Winter Storm

Power outages linger as crews work to restore electricity and clear debris

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Middle Tennessee enters another day of winter storm recovery, officials are bracing for another cold blast over the weekend. Power outages are lingering in areas of Middle Tennessee as crews work to make repairs and remove debris. The region continues to reel after a winter storm dumped snow, sleet, freezing rain and ice on Nashville and much of Tennessee, crippling roads, snapping trees and power poles, downing power lines and stranding residents.

Why it matters

The winter storm has caused widespread damage and power outages across Middle Tennessee, with eight confirmed weather-related fatalities in the state. As the region works to recover, the threat of more cold weather and potential for additional issues like water main breaks adds to the challenges.

The details

While there is some chatter about the potential for more snow, the National Weather Service in Nashville said chances are slim for flurries and light snow as cold air arrives the night of Friday, Jan. 29. No accumulation or impacts are expected. Forecasters have instead emphasized messaging around temperatures, which will struggle to reach above freezing before the next round of cold air brings single-digit lows and sub-zero wind chills. As of Jan. 27, there were eight confirmed weather-related fatalities in Tennessee, including two in Davidson County, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Shelters remain open region-wide as officials work to perform welfare checks and transport stranded residents to safety.

  • On Jan. 24, a winter storm hit Nashville and much of Tennessee.
  • As of Jan. 27, there were eight confirmed weather-related fatalities in Tennessee.

The players

National Weather Service in Nashville

The local office of the National Weather Service that provided forecasts and updates on the winter storm.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

The state agency that reported on the weather-related fatalities in Tennessee.

Metro Nashville Public Schools

The school district that remained closed through Thursday, Jan. 29 due to the winter storm impacts.

Freddie O'Connell

The mayor of Nashville who said the 230,000 Nashville Electric Service customers left without power over the weekend was historic.

Brent Baker

The chief customer and innovation officer of Nashville Electric Service who discussed the utility's efforts to restore power.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Let's be clear about what this is – it is a historic ice storm. This is the largest single outage in NES history. We do not have these kinds of weather events all the time.”

— Freddie O'Connell, Mayor of Nashville

“Safely restoring power to all customers is key. It's our top priority, and we have to ensure that we deploy crews safely and in a coordinated way. We cannot compromise that safety.”

— Brent Baker, Chief Customer and Innovation Officer, Nashville Electric Service

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.