Tennessee Awaits Major Disaster Declaration After Winter Storm Fern

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A week after Winter Storm Fern slammed Tennessee, leaving thousands without power, Governor Bill Lee has requested a major disaster declaration from President Trump to unlock federal aid for recovery efforts. While an emergency declaration was quickly approved, providing up to $5 million in short-term support, the major declaration that would provide individual assistance to residents and public assistance to state and local governments is still pending.

Why it matters

Major disaster declarations are critical for states to receive federal resources and reimbursement for emergency response and infrastructure repairs after severe weather events. Tennessee has received 23 such declarations in the last 10 years, but they often take over a month to be approved after the initial request.

The details

Winter Storm Fern coated Nashville in a thick layer of ice on January 25th, knocking out power to 230,000 people at the peak. A week and a half later, around 4,000 people still don't have power, and the medical examiner is investigating if five deaths in Nashville are related to the storm. Governor Lee requested an emergency declaration before the storm hit, which was quickly approved, but he is still waiting on the major disaster declaration that would unlock individual assistance for residents and public assistance for state and local governments.

• Winter Storm Fern hit Nashville on January 25, 2026.
• Governor Lee requested an emergency declaration before the storm on January 25, 2026.
• Four days after the storm, on January 29, 2026, Governor Lee requested a major disaster declaration for 23 counties.
• A week and a half after the storm, on February 6, 2026, around 4,000 people still don't have power.

What’s next

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