Death Toll Rises After Tennessee Winter Storm

The number of confirmed storm-related deaths in the state has increased to 23.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has reported that the death toll from Winter Storm Fern has risen to 23, up from 21 the previous week. The additional deaths occurred in Dyer County and Knox County, though the specific details about these fatalities were not provided. The total does not include two more deaths reported by the Metro Nashville Police Department, which are still pending confirmation from the medical examiner.

Why it matters

The rising death toll underscores the severe impact of the winter storm that hit Tennessee, with many vulnerable residents succumbing to the extreme cold temperatures and power outages. Understanding the full scope of the tragedy is important for emergency response planning and supporting affected communities.

The details

According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, the 23 confirmed storm-related deaths occurred across multiple counties in the state. At least one of the deaths in Nashville is believed to be connected to carbon monoxide poisoning after a man was found deceased next to a running generator. The official causes of death for the two additional cases reported by Metro Nashville Police are still pending confirmation.

  • The winter storm hit Tennessee one week ago.
  • The death toll increased from 21 to 23 this week.

The players

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

The state agency responsible for coordinating emergency response and disaster recovery efforts.

Metro Nashville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency for the city of Nashville, which reported two additional storm-related deaths.

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The takeaway

The rising death toll from Winter Storm Fern in Tennessee underscores the severe impact of the extreme weather event, particularly on vulnerable populations. As the state continues to assess the full scope of the tragedy, it will be crucial to learn from this experience to improve emergency preparedness and response for future storms.