Tennessee Valley – A prolonged winter storm impacted the Tennessee Valley from January 23 through January 26, bringing a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that created hazardous travel conditions across parts of Tennessee, northern Alabama, and southern Kentucky.
According to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, snowfall totals across the Tennessee Valley were generally lower than farther north, but the storm’s impact was amplified by ice accumulation and prolonged cold temperatures. Several locations reported measurable snow and sleet, while freezing rain created slick roads and dangerous travel, particularly in areas unaccustomed to frequent winter weather.
Among selected reports from the Weather Prediction Center, Memphis, Tennessee recorded 3.0 inches of sleet, while Shreveport, Louisiana, on the southwestern edge of the broader storm system, also measured 3.0 inches of sleet. Centerville, Arkansas reported 5.5 inches of sleet, highlighting the mixed-precipitation nature of the storm affecting the Tennessee Valley and surrounding regions.
Freezing rain totals of around three-quarters of an inch to one inch were reported across parts of the Southeast connected to the same storm system, including Brentwood, Tennessee, where 0.75 inches of ice was measured. Ice accumulation contributed to slick roads, downed tree limbs, and scattered power issues in some areas.
Travel across major corridors, including Interstates 40, 65, and 75, was impacted at times, especially during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures remained below freezing. Even after precipitation ended, lingering ice and cold conditions continued to pose risks.
The Weather Prediction Center said the storm concluded across the Tennessee Valley by early Monday, though cold temperatures kept ice in place into the start of the workweek.
The January 23–26 system stands out as a notable winter weather event for the Tennessee Valley, particularly due to its ice impacts and duration, rather than heavy snowfall totals.
