Official Notice: Nashville Public Services and Winter Storm Response Roundup

Emergency Advisory: Winter Storm Fern Response

The State of Tennessee remains under a Level 3 State of Emergency as of Thursday, January 29, 2026, in response to the ongoing impacts of Winter Storm Fern. The Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to coordinate with state and local agencies to manage power restoration and public safety. Residents are advised to monitor the official Winter Weather Information Hotline at 1-844-4TENN-4U (1-844-483-6648) for the latest updates on warming centers and emergency resources.

Health and Safety Alerts

The Metro Public Health Department and state officials have issued critical advisories regarding the current extreme cold:

• Snow Shoveling Hazards: Health officials warn that shoveling heavy snow can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Residents are urged to take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion.
• Carbon Monoxide Safety: Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves inside your home, garage, or near windows. These devices create a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during power outages.
• Hypothermia Prevention: Limit time outdoors and check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly seniors. For those without adequate heat, the Nashville Office of Homeless Services is currently operating emergency overflow shelters with medical and behavioral health triage available on-site.

Metro Government and Council Meetings

While some municipal operations are modified due to the weather, the following schedule applies for January 29, 2026:

• Metropolitan Council Black Caucus: The meeting is scheduled to proceed from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Metro Courthouse.
• Cancellations: The Employee Benefit Board Medical and Life Committee meeting previously scheduled for today has been officially cancelled.

Public Schools and Transit Status

Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) will remain closed today, Thursday, January 29, due to continued hazardous road conditions and power outages affecting multiple campuses. All after-school activities, including sports and community meetings, are cancelled. WeGo Public Transit has resumed regular weekday operations, though riders should anticipate possible delays and are encouraged to check the Transit App for real-time adjustments as road conditions change.

Public Works and Lane Closures

The Nashville Department of Waste Services has waived all fees at Metro Convenience Centers through the end of the week to assist residents with household trash and recycling disposal while curbside collection remains obstructed in some residential areas. Additionally, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has scheduled single lane closures on I-65 Northbound and Southbound between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for bridge inspections and from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for roadway assessments.