Major Winter Storm Hits Nashville: Snow and Safety Tips

News Summary

Nashville experiences a significant winter storm, accumulating 3.9 inches of snow, prompting school cancellations and a state of emergency declaration. Travelers face flight disruptions, with over half of the flights at Nashville International Airport canceled. Local agencies recommend safety precautions and community shelters are open for those in need. As the storm continues, residents are urged to stay warm and safe while enjoying the snowy conditions.

Major Winter Storm Hits Nashville: Snow, Cancellations, and Safety Tips

Nashville is currently in the thick of a *major winter storm* that has turned the city into a winter wonderland, albeit with its fair share of challenges. Early Friday morning, snowflakes began to dance down from the sky, and they didn’t stop until Nashville had seen a whopping 3.9 inches of snowfall! This impressive accumulation not only set the stage for a beautiful display but also shattered a record that had been standing since 1895.

Winter Storm Warnings and Emergency Measures

As the snow continued to build up, the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for Middle Tennessee and parts of southern Kentucky. As a result, several school districts in the area opted to cancel classes, keeping students snug at home.

In response to the chilly weather, Governor Bill Lee declared a state of emergency for Tennessee on Thursday, ensuring that resources would be readily available to assist those in need. Local emergency management agencies are urging residents to stay off the roads, as icy conditions have already led to multiple accidents reported by police in Franklin.

Travel Disruptions Abound

If you were planning to fly out of Nashville International Airport, you might want to check those plans twice. By mid-morning Friday, 52% of flights had been canceled, leaving many travelers scrambling. If you are hitting the roads despite the warnings, just be careful! Slippery conditions are expected to linger, with temperatures forecasted to dip into the teens and twenties over the weekend, increasing the risk for icy patches.

How to Stay Warm and Save Power

Living in Nashville in these conditions means bundling up and making smart heating choices. Nashville Electric Service (NES) has shared some friendly tips to help folks stay warm and conserve power. Some helpful hints include:

Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower
Wearing layers of clothing and curling up with blankets
Opening curtains during the day to let in sunlight and closing them at night to keep warmth in
Keeping garage doors closed to avoid the chill
Unplugging any devices you aren’t using to save energy

Community Response to the Storm

In Nashville, there’s a strong community spirit shining through the winter weather. An emergency overflow shelter has extended its hours, staying open to provide warmth for those in need. Meanwhile, Wilson County has opened an emergency warming shelter to help those without adequate heating arrangements.

To make the most out of the snowy conditions, local officials are encouraging activities such as sledding, but they are reminding everyone to embrace safety precautions while enjoying the winter fun. Meanwhile, the Nashville Department of Transportation is hard at work, deploying snowplows to treat and clear roadways to make travel as safe as possible.

Looking Ahead

As we look towards the weekend, forecasts show that road conditions are likely to remain slippery, extending the need for caution as we move into early next week. Whether you’re navigating through the snow or hunkering down at home with your loved ones, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the beauty that a snowy day can bring—while staying warm and safe!

So, Nashville, grab your hot cocoa, bundle up, and enjoy the winter festivities responsibly as we ride out this winter storm together!