Gov. Lee Requests Expedited Disaster Declaration for 23 Counties
Below is an official statement from the office of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee regarding emergency winter storm recovery and the most recent major disaster declaration request.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee requested President Donald J. Trump grant an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for 23 Tennessee counties following significant impacts from Winter Storm Fern. The request seeks both Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance and Individual Assistance to support response and recovery efforts across the state.
The expedited request includes counties where damage is already evident and expected to easily exceed assistance thresholds, allowing federal resources to reach Tennesseans as quickly as possible. Damage assessments remain underway, and will determine whether additional counties may qualify.
“Winter Storm Fern has created significant damage in communities across Tennessee, and state and local officials, first responders, and volunteers continue to provide critical support,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m grateful to President Trump for granting federal resources to support Tennesseans, and am hopeful our Major Disaster Declaration will be approved quickly.”
The Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request includes the following 23 counties for both FEMA Individual and Public Assistance: Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Maury, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson, Wilson.
FEMA Assistance
Individual Assistance would make federal aid available directly to Tennesseans to help with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. For more information about Individual Assistance, visit FEMA’s webpage.
Public Assistance would provide reimbursement to state and local governments, as well as eligible nonprofit organizations, for emergency response costs and repairs to damaged public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, and public buildings. For more information about Public Assistance, visit FEMA’s webpage.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is coordinating response and recovery efforts with local, state, and federal partners to support counties as response and damage assessments continues.
Up-to-date information recovery resources, and guidance for Tennesseans can be found on TEMA’s dedicated Winter Weather webpage.
Major Winter Storm Fern Hits Tennessee, Leaving Widespread Damage and Power Outages
Tennessee, January 25, 2026 — A significant winter storm, known as Winter Storm Fern, has wreaked havoc across Tennessee, particularly impacting Middle Tennessee and major urban areas like Nashville from January 23 to January 26. The storm brought a dangerous mix of heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and substantial ice accumulations, creating hazardous conditions throughout the state.
Temperatures Plummet
The storm has been accompanied by a sharp drop in temperatures, driven by an influx of arctic air. Residents across Tennessee have reported subzero or near-zero wind chills, with overnight lows plunging into the single digits Fahrenheit as of January 25-26. Bitter cold is expected to persist throughout the week, increasing risks associated with any remaining ice and ongoing power outages.
Damage and Impacts
The repercussions of Winter Storm Fern have been severe, with notable impacts including:
- Ice Accumulations: Areas experienced ice buildup of 0.5 to 0.75 inches, causing widespread tree damage, fallen branches, and downed power lines.
- Snow and Sleet: Snow totals varied by region, with Middle Tennessee recording 3 to 6 inches, while northern and western locations reported up to 14 inches in parts of Northwest Tennessee.
- Travel Hazards: Many roads have become impassable or extremely dangerous, leading to numerous traffic accidents. Reports indicate at least one fatality and 18 injuries related to the storm in Tennessee, alongside flooding incidents in East Tennessee.
The storm has been labeled historic in certain southern regions, contributing to broader impacts across the U.S., including fatalities and significant disruptions.
Power Outages
Tennessee has been among the hardest-hit states in the nation, leading in power outages at times. As of the evening of January 25, 2026:
- Approximately 310,819 customers remained without power statewide, accounting for about 9.11% of tracked customers.
- The most affected area was Davidson County (Nashville), with around 193,043 outages, representing over 86% in some local reports.
- Other counties with significant outages include Sumner (~32,456) and Williamson (~18,944).
- Major utility Nashville Electric Service (NES) reported peak outages of 200,000 to 213,000, with restoration efforts hampered by ice, wind, and tree damage.
At one point, the storm contributed to over 1 million outages nationwide, with Tennessee frequently topping the lists. Utilities like NES are actively working to restore power, but ongoing high winds and extreme cold may complicate efforts. Residents are encouraged to report outages through NESPower.com or via text, avoid downed lines, and prepare for potential multi-day outages in certain areas.
Ongoing Concerns
While the storm has moved out of the region, lingering ice, black ice, and frigid temperatures remain significant concerns. Reports indicate that slushy roads from earlier have refrozen, making travel increasingly hazardous, with downed trees blocking or partially obstructing lanes across Nashville. Authorities advise residents to stay home if possible and remain vigilant.
For the latest updates, residents should check local sources, including the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the National Weather Service (NWS), or their utility providers. If you are in an affected area, bundle up and ensure you have emergency supplies ready.
Stay safe and monitor local updates as conditions continue to evolve.
(Pictures from Middle Tennessee)
Nashville Electric Service Continues Restoration Efforts Amid Freezing Rain
Nashville, TN – The Nashville Electric Service (NES) is actively working to restore power to thousands of customers following severe winter weather that has caused widespread outages. As of now, NES lineworkers have confirmed 38 broken utility poles and reported approximately 3,000 outages affecting more than 216,000 customers across the region.
In an update on their restoration efforts, NES indicated that while the freezing rain is expected to clear in about two hours, temperatures are projected to drop further overnight. This could lead to additional challenges as damage assessments are ongoing.
For those still without power who have not yet reported their outages, NES urges customers to use the following methods for reporting:
- Call: 615-234-0000
- Text: OUT to NESPWR (637797) (Note: Ensure your mobile number is linked to your account for the text system to function.)
While NES is making strides in their restoration efforts, officials caution that the number of outages may increase as assessments continue. Stay safe and off the road helps power outages increase and road conditions worsen.
TVA Warns of Fake Emails and Texts
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is warning of scams in early 2026 involving fraudulent texts and emails claiming to be from them or local power companies, often regarding fake, urgent, or rolling power outages. Do not click links in these messages, as they are designed to steal personal info.
Key 2026 TVA Scam Alert Details:
• The Scam: Messages falsely claim you have scheduled or rolling power outages due to winter storm conditions.
• The Goal: To trick you into clicking malicious links (phishing).
• TVA Policy: The TVA does not send text messages or emails regarding power outages or grid conditions.
• Action Required:
◦ Do not click any links or provide personal information.
◦ Verify information only through official TVA, social media channels, or directly with your local power provider.
◦ Report these phishing attempts immediately.
Be particularly cautious of any message creating a false sense of urgency during severe weather.
