Mayor O'Connell and Emergency Officials to Provide Critical Storm Recovery Update Today

Mayor O’Connell to Provide Storm Recovery Update Today

Nashville remains under a state of emergency following the significant winter storm that struck the region earlier this week. Mayor Freddie O’Connell and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are scheduled to hold a critical press briefing today, Thursday, January 29, 2026, to address ongoing recovery efforts and the status of infrastructure repairs across Davidson County.

Press Conference and Emergency Briefing

The Mayor, alongside OEM Director-Chief Will Swann, will provide a live update at 1:00 p.m. from the Mayor’s Office Media Room at One Public Square. This briefing comes as the city enters its fifth day of recovery from an ice storm that caused unprecedented damage, including widespread power outages and hundreds of downed trees. Officials are expected to provide the latest metrics on restoration from Nashville Electric Service and outline the next phases of the emergency response. The Mayor's Executive Order Number 056, which declared the State of Emergency on January 25, remains in effect as crews continue to work around the clock to clear secondary roads and restore essential services.

Metro Council and Board Meetings

Despite the hazardous conditions that have prompted widespread closures, several government and council sessions are still slated for this afternoon and evening. These meetings are expected to move forward with a focus on both regular business and departmental responses to the storm:

• Hospital Authority Board: The board is scheduled to meet at 4:00 p.m. Discussions are expected to include the operational status of city healthcare facilities and emergency energy reserves during the current crisis.
• Metropolitan Council Black Caucus: Members are scheduled to convene from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Metro Courthouse. The caucus frequently addresses community safety and equity in city service delivery, topics which are particularly relevant during the ongoing weather emergency.
• Community Meetings: Several local sessions remain on the calendar, including a District 32 community meeting at 6:00 p.m. and a Street Sweeping Town Hall at 5:00 p.m., though residents are advised to check for last-minute weather-related cancellations.

City Operations and Safety Alerts

Metro Nashville Public Schools remain closed today, and district offices are operating remotely as the city monitors icy road conditions. City officials continue to urge residents to avoid travel if possible. The Department of Emergency Communications has increased staffing to handle high call volumes, and the public is reminded to use 911 only for immediate threats to life or safety. Non-emergency reports, such as debris removal, should be submitted via the hubNashville platform to keep emergency lines open.