City Roundup: Winter Storm Emergency Declaration and Public Safety Advisories
Official Declaration: State of Emergency for Davidson County
On Friday, January 23, 2026, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued an official State of Emergency for all 95 counties, including Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. This proactive measure is in response to a major winter weather system forecasted to impact the region over the coming weekend. The declaration allows the state to mobilize resources more effectively and provides the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) with the authority to coordinate disaster relief and safety efforts across the state. Residents are encouraged to finalize their emergency preparations, including securing adequate food, water, and heating supplies.
Winter Storm Watch and Safety Advisory
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Nashville, effective from Friday evening, January 23, through Sunday, January 25. Meteorologists anticipate a mix of heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain that could lead to significant travel disruptions and potential power outages. In addition to the precipitation, dangerously cold temperatures are expected to persist through the middle of next week. Public health officials advise residents to limit outdoor exposure and to check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly the elderly and those without reliable heating sources.
Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) Road Preparations
In anticipation of the incoming storm, the Nashville Department of Transportation has initiated widespread brining operations. Crews began applying salt brine to primary interstates, major thoroughfares, and high-risk areas—such as bridges, hills, and overpasses—as of Thursday and continued throughout Friday. NDOT reminds motorists that black ice may still form as temperatures drop Friday night. The city requests that residents stay off the roads unless travel is essential to allow salt trucks and emergency responders clear access to the streets.
Public Health and Community Notices
The Metropolitan Council has officially recognized January 2026 as "Dry January USA" month in Nashville and Davidson County, following the passage of Resolution RS2026-1764. This initiative encourages residents to reflect on their health and wellness goals for the new year. Additionally, the latest restaurant health inspection scores for Davidson County have been released, with high marks noted for several local establishments following follow-up visits this week. Residents are encouraged to use the city’s online portal to review the most recent safety ratings for neighborhood dining locations.
Public Service Announcement: Federal Website Maintenance
Residents and business owners utilizing the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) public website for labor filings or case tracking should be aware of scheduled maintenance. The system is expected to be offline starting Friday, January 23, at 11:00 p.m. ET through Monday morning. This may affect e-filing capabilities and the accessibility of online portals for Nashville-based organizations during the winter storm period.