Bitter Cold and Icy Roads: Nashville Braces for Sub-Zero Wind Chills Under State of Emergency

Frigid Morning Start Following Winter Storm Fern

Nashville residents woke up this Monday, January 26, 2026, to a city paralyzed by the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern. Following a weekend of significant icing that left nearly 217,000 Nashvillians without power, the morning begins with dangerously low temperatures and overcast skies. As of 8:56 AM, the mercury is hovering near 10°F, with wind chills already making it feel much colder. While the active freezing rain has moved out of the region, the existing ice accumulation of nearly half an inch remains a critical hazard for early morning travel.

Afternoon Outlook: Dangerous Cold and Gray Skies

The afternoon will offer little relief from the deep freeze. Forecasted highs are expected to reach only 14°F to 16°F, keeping the city well below the freezing mark and preventing any significant melting of the ice on secondary roads. Skies will remain predominantly overcast throughout the midday hours. Mayor Freddie O'Connell has maintained a State of Emergency for Davidson County as Nashville Electric Service (NES) crews work 14-to-16-hour shifts to restore power to hundreds of thousands of residents. Winds are expected to increase slightly to around 13 mph, further driving down the perceived temperature and adding stress to ice-laden trees and power lines.

Evening Alert: The Deep Freeze Intensifies

As the sun sets this evening, the weather situation transitions from a recovery effort to a life-safety emergency. An Extreme Cold Warning is officially in effect starting at 6:00 PM tonight and will last through noon on Tuesday. Skies are expected to clear after sunset, which will allow temperatures to plummet toward a forecasted low of -3°F. The National Weather Service has warned that wind chills could reach as low as 10 degrees below zero tonight. These conditions pose a severe risk of hypothermia for anyone without adequate heat or shelter.

Emergency Resources and Public Safety

Due to the hazardous conditions and extreme cold, the following safety measures and closures are in place for the Nashville area:

• Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and district offices are closed today, Monday, January 26, and will remain closed through Tuesday, January 27.
• Metro Government has opened select fire stations, police precinct community rooms, and community centers as emergency warming locations for those without power.
• General Sessions Courts and State Criminal Trial Courts are closed today, though Night Court remains operational.
• Residents are urged to stay off the roads to allow NDOT crews and emergency responders to clear debris and treat primary routes.