NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State officials say road conditions are gradually improving across parts of Tennessee, but dangerous travel conditions persist as freezing temperatures continue to threaten icy roads, downed trees, and other hazards following a historic winter storm.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security reported ongoing emergency response efforts through the storm’s third day, with troopers assisting stranded motorists, responding to crashes, and clearing roadway obstructions statewide.
“The number of drivers needing assistance has slowed as conditions improve, but we encourage everyone to continue to limit any unnecessary travel,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. He warned that melting snow and ice could refreeze overnight, creating hazardous black ice on roadways.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, since 3 a.m. Central Time on Jan. 24, troopers have responded to thousands of storm-related incidents. Statewide figures include:
- 2 fatal crashes
- 72 crashes involving injuries
- 317 crashes involving property damage
- 1,423 motorist assists
- 164 abandoned vehicles
- 317 roadway obstructions, many caused by downed trees
- 2 vehicle fires
- 2,859 calls to *THP requesting assistance
Officials said the causes of the fatal crashes have not yet been determined, and the Tennessee Department of Health will assess whether the deaths were weather-related.
In addition to traffic-related incidents, THP troopers and state Homeland Security special agents are conducting welfare checks on residents who have not been heard from since the storm began. Colonel Matt Perry said coordinated teams are working to ensure vulnerable residents are safe and urged families who are concerned about loved ones to request assistance.
Families unable to contact relatives are encouraged to call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s hotline at 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463) to request a welfare check. The hotline was activated for only the third time in state history to support disaster-related family reconnection efforts.
Troopers continue to patrol highways and coordinate with local law enforcement, emergency managers, and first responders as winter weather impacts persist. Officials urge residents to avoid travel if possible and to drive cautiously if travel is necessary by reducing speed, increasing following distance, and planning alternate routes.
Updates on storm response and recovery efforts are available through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, while real-time road conditions can be monitored through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s SmartWay system.
