Nashville, Tennessee – A high-impact winter storm is set to sweep across Tennessee this weekend, bringing a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that could make travel nearly impossible and trigger widespread power outages, especially across Middle Tennessee.
According to the National Weather Service in Nashville, precipitation develops late Friday night, with light snow spreading into the region before transitioning to sleet and freezing rain Saturday morning in southern areas. By Saturday afternoon and evening, much of Middle Tennessee, including the I-40 corridor, is expected to see a mix of freezing rain and sleet, increasing the risk for ice accumulation on roads, bridges, and power lines.
Forecasters say the highest ice totals are most likely along and south of I-40, where parts of the Nashville metro, Columbia, and areas toward the Tennessee River could see a half inch or more of ice. That level of icing could lead to downed trees, broken branches, and prolonged power outages. North of I-40, including Clarksville and portions of the Cumberland Plateau, snow totals of several inches are possible, with heavier amounts toward the Kentucky border.
Conditions may remain hazardous into Sunday as wintry precipitation gradually transitions back to snow before tapering off. Bitterly cold air is expected to follow, raising concerns for refreezing on untreated roads. Residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel, prepare for possible power outages, and closely monitor updates as warnings and advisories are likely to be refined.
