The Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is advising residents to prepare for severe winter weather conditions as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Metro Nashville Davidson County starting Friday, January 10, 2025. The Winter Storm Watch indicates the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours, though it does not guarantee such conditions will occur.
Forecast predictions include significant travel impacts due to snow beginning mid-morning Friday, with expected snowfall ranging from 4 to 7 inches, and localized amounts possibly reaching up to 8 inches. Most of the snowfall is anticipated to occur from late Friday morning through Friday evening. The snow event is expected to involve little or no rain, sleet, or freezing rain, with snow tapering off Friday evening. However, travel impacts are likely to persist into Saturday morning due to continued cold weather slowing the melting process, especially in rural areas.
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Residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions for safety during this weather event, both at home and when traveling. For real-time weather updates and safety alerts, individuals can sign up for the [Metro Emergency Alert and Notification System (MEANS)](https://member.everbridge.net/892807736729970/login).
In light of the forecasted temperatures, the OEM’s Emergency Support Unit (ESU) will conduct cold patrols on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, and may extend these patrols as needed. During these patrols, ESU members will provide blankets, gloves, hand warmers, and other care items to those in need who choose not to seek shelter.
For updates on extreme cold weather shelter operations, information can be obtained by following @NashvilleDOT on X / Twitter or visiting the Snow Removal webpage.
To prepare homes for winter weather, residents are advised to insulate, caulk, and weather-strip their homes, test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, gather essential supplies, and ensure pet needs are met. The [Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)](https://www.usa.gov/help-with-energy-bills) is available for those needing assistance with heating costs or energy-related home repairs.
For heating safety, it is recommended to keep flammable items away from heating equipment, maintain a safe distance for children, and have professionals install and inspect heating systems. Portable generator safety includes proper outdoor ventilation, avoiding indoor fuel storage, and using carbon monoxide detectors.
Driving safety tips include being cautious of black ice and other weather-related hazards. Current road conditions can be checked on the [TDOT SmartWay Map](https://smartway.tn.gov/traffic?features=incident,majorImpact,traffic).
Pet owners are advised to keep pets indoors during cold weather and be cautious of ice-melting chemicals and antifreeze. More pet safety tips can be found on [Ready.gov](https://www.ready.gov/pets).
In case of power outages, residents should prepare by checking on neighbors, conserving battery life on phones, and staying informed through the [NES Power Outage Center](https://www.nespower.com/outages/).
For further information and tips, individuals can refer to resources on [heating safety](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/heating), [winter driving safety](https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/), and [pet welfare during winter](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips).
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TDOT’s Winter Preparedness in West Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in Region 4 is preparing for winter weather by deploying resources such as salt trucks and brine to ensure road safety across 21 counties in West Tennessee, with a focus on major routes. TDOT urges drivers to avoid travel on January 10, 2025, and offers several resources for road condition updates and safe driving tips.