Tennessee winter storm death toll reaches 13 as Nashville area power outages continue for 90,000 customers

Statewide fatalities rise as restoration work expands across Middle Tennessee

Tennessee’s weather-related death toll from the recent winter storm has risen to 13, as Middle Tennessee continued digging out from widespread ice damage and prolonged power outages. The deaths have been reported across multiple counties, reflecting the broad footprint of the storm and the risks associated with freezing conditions, blocked roads, and extended time without electricity.

Weather-related deaths have been reported in Cheatham (two), Davidson (three), Hardin (two), Haywood (one), Henderson (one), Hickman (one), Knox (one), and Obion (two). State reporting also noted that a previously reported death in Crockett County was later determined not to be weather-related.

Nashville outages remain high; broken poles and ice-laden trees slow repairs

In the Nashville Electric Service territory, roughly 99,000 customers were still without power as of Tuesday evening, underscoring the scale of damage to lines and equipment. The utility has reported extensive infrastructure impacts, including hundreds of broken poles—an indicator of severe stress on the system from ice accumulation and falling trees. Officials have said restoration is expected to take several days in the hardest-hit areas.

Outages affecting 1,000 customers or more have been concentrated in multiple parts of the region, including Nashville/Bellevue, Brentwood, Forest Hills, North Nashville/Brick Church, Hendersonville, parts of South Nashville, East Nashville/Rosebank, Whites Creek/Joelton, Donelson, and Antioch.

Transportation impacts and emergency response: crashes, obstructions, and assistance calls

The storm also produced hazardous travel conditions statewide. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has reported responding to fatal crashes and numerous injury and damage crashes during the event, along with a large volume of motorist assists, roadway obstructions—many tied to downed trees—and stranded vehicles. Officials reiterated requests for residents to avoid unnecessary travel while crews clear debris and utilities work to access damaged circuits.

What officials are urging residents to do while outages persist

• Stay away from downed power lines and treat all lines as energized and dangerous.
• Limit travel on icy roads to essential trips to reduce risk and keep routes open for repair crews and emergency vehicles.
• Use safe heating practices indoors and ensure adequate ventilation for any fuel-burning devices.
• Check on neighbors, particularly older adults and medically vulnerable residents, during extended cold exposure.

As restoration continues, officials have emphasized that power repairs are being prioritized by the size and complexity of outages, while field crews work through ice damage, fallen trees, and equipment failures across the network.

Emergency management operations remained active as Tennessee coordinated debris clearance, roadway access, and support for local response needs while utilities continued multi-day restoration efforts.