City Notices: Winter Storm Fern Recovery and Essential Safety Advisories

Winter Storm Fern: State of Emergency and Power Restoration

The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains activated at Level 3 – State of Emergency as the city continues its response to Winter Storm Fern. Governor Bill Lee has requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government to accelerate recovery resources for Davidson County and surrounding regions. Nashville Electric Service (NES) reports that while crews are working around the clock, approximately 79,000 to 90,000 households still remain without power following significant infrastructure damage. Residents are urged to stay clear of downed power lines and assume all lines are energized. To support energy grid stability, officials recommend turning thermostats down to 68 degrees or lower where power is available.

Public Health Advisory: Extreme Cold and Hypothermia Risks

The Tennessee Department of Health has issued an advisory regarding the heightened risk of hypothermia as temperatures are forecast to plunge into the teens tonight, Friday, January 30. With many residents entering their sixth day without heat, the city is prioritizing welfare checks for vulnerable populations, including seniors and infants. The TBI Hotline (1-800-TBI-FIND) is active for those needing to request a welfare check for loved ones. Warming centers remain open across the city for those seeking refuge from the cold. Residents are reminded to avoid unnecessary travel and to never use generators or outdoor grills inside the home due to carbon monoxide risks.

Service Updates: Schools, Trash, and Cancellations

• Schools: Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) remain closed today, Friday, January 30, due to hazardous road conditions and ongoing power outages at several facilities.
• Waste Services: Nashville Waste Services (NWS) has resumed residential trash collection for regular Friday routes where road conditions allow. A special weekend recovery schedule has been implemented to address backlogs; regular Monday and Tuesday routes will be serviced this Saturday, January 31.
• Cancellations: The Metro Investment Committee Meeting originally scheduled for this afternoon has been cancelled.
• Storm Cleanup: Crisis Cleanup has established a hotline at 844-965-1386 to assist residents with free removal of fallen trees and debris.

Community Awareness Notices

Beyond the weather emergency, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance is observing the final day of Identity Theft Awareness Week. Citizens are encouraged to monitor financial statements closely and report suspicious activity. Additionally, the Metropolitan Council has designated January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, urging residents to learn the signs of exploitation and support local victim service providers.