Get ready, Tennessee—a powerful winter storm is set to roll in Tuesday night, bringing several inches of snow, freezing temperatures, and potentially dangerous road conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning from Tuesday at 9:00 PM through Wednesday at 12:00 PM, urging residents to prepare for a messy commute and icy roads.
If you haven’t stocked up on essentials yet, now is the time. This storm could make travel difficult, and bitter cold temperatures will keep the snow and ice from melting anytime soon.
Who’s Getting Hit the Hardest?
Snowfall totals will vary across the state, but some areas could see as much as 6 inches of snow before the storm moves out.
- Middle Tennessee (Nashville, Davidson County): Expect 3 to 4 inches of snow, with the heaviest snowfall occurring late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
- West Tennessee (Memphis, Shelby County): Forecasts predict 1 to 6 inches of snow, with a light glaze of ice possible, making roads even more dangerous.
- The Wednesday morning commute will likely be a mess, with snow-covered roads and reduced visibility making travel slow and treacherous.
How Bad Will Travel Be?
Let’s put it this way—if you can avoid driving, stay home. The combination of heavy snow, gusty winds, and ice patches could make for nightmare road conditions.
What to Expect on the Roads:
- Snow piling up quickly, making it hard for plows to keep up
- Slippery spots, especially on bridges and overpasses
- Delays and accidents likely, with poor visibility in some areas
If you have to drive:
- Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go
- Keep an emergency kit in your car (blankets, snacks, water, flashlight)
- Slow down and increase following distance
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is already preparing roads, but with snow expected to fall fast, crews may struggle to keep up.
What You Can Do Now to Get Ready
- Stock up on essentials. Grab groceries, water, and medications before the snow starts falling.
- Prepare for possible power outages. Charge your devices and have flashlights, blankets, and extra batteries handy.
- Bring pets inside. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them!
- Prevent frozen pipes. Let faucets drip and keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate.
What Happens After the Storm?
Even after the snow stops, freezing temperatures will keep roads icy, with highs barely reaching the mid-20s°F and overnight lows dropping into single digits. Black ice will be a major concern through Thursday morning, especially on side streets and sidewalks.