Travel 'Nearly Impossible' as Major Winter Storm Grips Nashville

Severe Winter Storm Warning and Hazardous Conditions

Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee region are under a Severe Winter Storm Warning this Saturday, January 24, 2026. The National Weather Service and local authorities have issued a 'Code Red' weather alert, warning that travel across the city could become nearly impossible due to heavy mixed precipitation. Forecasters expect significant snow and sleet accumulations, with 3 to 6 inches predicted north of the I-40 corridor and 1 to 3 inches to the south. Perhaps more concerning for commuters is the anticipated ice accumulation, which could reach up to half an inch in some areas.

Governor Bill Lee has declared a state of emergency to mobilize the National Guard and State Highway Patrol to assist stranded motorists. The Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) has deployed 45 snowplows and is prioritizing the treatment of nearly 600 miles of primary routes, particularly those serving hospitals and emergency services. However, despite these efforts, residents are strongly urged to stay off the roads as freezing rain continues to create a layer of glaze over the falling snow.

Major Roadworks and Arterial Impacts

While the storm is the primary concern, several long-term and scheduled road projects continue to impact traffic flow. Motorists should be aware of the following:

• State Route 24 (US-70): A continuous eastbound closure remains in effect at Log Mile 12 in Davidson County. This closure is expected to last through late February.
• Bradford Hills Drive: A continuous closure is currently in place and is expected to continue until April 2026, with local detours marked for neighborhood access.
• State Route 11: Construction continues between Log Mile 0 and Log Mile 1 in Sumner County, which may cause additional delays on top of the weather-related hazards.
• I-65 Widening: While much of the active widening work is scheduled for weeknights, the temporary lane shifts near Rivergate Parkway (Phase 3) require extreme caution in slippery conditions.

Public Transit and Major Cancellations

WeGo Public Transit has warned that bus service will be heavily impacted by the ice and snow. While routes with steep hills or difficult navigation may be suspended entirely, several detours are already in place. Notably, Route 84 Murfreesboro is operating on a detour today between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., affecting stops along John Lewis Way and Deaderick Street. Riders are encouraged to use the Transit App for real-time tracking, as delays are inevitable.

To discourage unnecessary travel, major Nashville institutions have canceled or postponed Saturday events. The Grand Ole Opry has canceled in-person attendance for tonight’s performance, and the Nashville Symphony and TPAC have canceled scheduled shows. The Franklin Farmers Market is also closed today due to the inclement weather.