Metro Nashville-Davidson County Operations During Winter Weather

Metro Nashville Davidson County offices will adjust their services due to impending Winter Weather Event.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning from 9PM Tuesday through noon on Wednesday.

A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent.

The National Weather Service says to expect:

• Hazardous travel conditions this morning as accumulating snow comes to an end.
• Bitterly cold temperatures settle in Wednesday night through Friday night.
• Single digits and lower teens temperatures will linger for the next couple of nights.
• Rivers levels remain high but will be falling through the rest of the week.
• Most areas stay below freezing until Friday afternoon, bit areas with more snow cover may stay below freezing until Saturday.
• The snow that falls is not expected to melt until this weekend.

It is important you take precautions during this weather event both at home and when traveling along roadways.

Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

OEM will conduct cold patrols Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon. OEM will add Cold Patrols Friday night and Saturday night if weather conditions remain dangerous.

Metro Nashville-Davidson County employees are encouraged to work from home if possible. However, they should check with their supervisors for specific instructions on whether to report to work or work remotely.

Please continue to monitor local news reports for other closures or changes to Metro Nashville Davidson County operations as the snow moves into the area.

Nashville Fire Department (NFD)

NFD has snow chains on fire apparatus and ambulances.

NFD Headquarters will be closed, however administrative personnel are working remotely.
The closure does not impact any of our emergency operations.

Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT)

NDOT administrative staff will work remotely Wednesday.

An incoming winter weather event has the potential to impact Nashville and Davidson County beginning this evening into Wednesday morning.

Although weather conditions are still uncertain, the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) is prepared to respond to winter weather impacts to primary, secondary, and post-secondary routes across the county.

In anticipation of incoming weather, NDOT crews have been out since Monday morning pre-treating primary, secondary, and post-secondary routes with brining solution.

All roughly 2,400 miles of snow routes are being pre-treated. Once roadway pre-treating is complete this afternoon, crews will begin loading salt and have trucks ready to hit the road as soon as snow begins late tonight.

Crews will work in 12-hour shifts throughout the event until routes are clear.

Additional Information

NDOT recently updated its snow removal primary and secondary routes to be more efficient and cover more of the county. Reports can still be made to hubNashville and will be used for data gathering and evaluation to inform response during future winter weather events.

To report a non-emergency issue affecting a Metro Nashville street, visit hub.nashville.gov.

Metro Nashville Public Schools

Metro Nashville Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 19.

All before and after school care is cancelled unless the provider offers an inclement weather site. Families are encouraged to check with their provider for that information.

All after-school activities, including sports practices, games, performances and meetings are also cancelled.

District offices will be closed for in-person activities but working remotely. More information on inclement weather plans can be found at mnps.org/weather.

Metro Waste Services

Due to the severe winter weather and the Presidents Day holiday, please see the following schedule changes for trash and recycling pick up:

• Trash collection services will not be provided on Wednesday and Thursday
• If your trash is normally picked up on Tuesday or Wednesday, your trash is tentatively scheduled to be picked up on Friday
• If your trash is normally picked up on Thursday or Friday, your trash is tentatively scheduled to be picked up on Saturday
• Recycling collection services will not be provided for the remainder of the week, and we kindly ask residents to hold their recycling until their next scheduled collection day
• Convenience centers will be closed Wednesday and Thursday

This schedule is weather dependent, and an update will be provided Thursday afternoon for Friday and Saturday. Download the Nashville Waste & Recycling App to sign up for service alerts.

Curbside customers impacted by the weather can:

• Recycle for free at a nearby drop-off recycling location or convenience center
• Take bagged trash to a nearby convenience center up to three bags for free

While we understand the importance returning to regular services, our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our employees and the community.

Metro Public Health Department

Metro Public Health Department clinics and locations will be closed Wednesday, February 19 due to winter weather conditions. Employees who can work from home should do so. People with appointments at MPHD clinics will be contacted about re-scheduling.

General Sessions Court

Due to forecasted inclement weather, all General Sessions Court dockets and operations will be closed Wednesday, February 19 including jail dockets. Night Court operations will remain open. General Sessions Court employees should not report to work.

Juvenile Courts

Juvenile Court will be closed Wednesday for business. Juvenile Court will keep the public informed of the rest of the week's operations.

Davidson County Clerk's Office

The main office and all branch offices of the Davidson County Clerk's Office will be closed on Wednesday, February 19.

Office of Circuit Court Clerk

The Offices of the Circuit Court Clerk (Circuit Court Clerk's Office, General Sessions – Civil Division, Probate Clerk's Office, Traffic Violation Bureau, and the Resource Center) will be closed for in-person processing on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, due to inclement weather. Our team will work remotely to assist with filings and customer inquiries. Additionally, e-filing remains available 24/7 for your convenience.

General Sessions – Civil

Attorneys will need to reset their cases in 1A, 1B.

EC Docket

Virtual

Traffic Violation Bureau

Please note that payments can be made online in our citation portal.

Circuit Courts and Probate

• 1st Circuit: Hybrid Option
• 2nd Circuit: Open with the option for litigants to appear in person or remotely.
• 3rd Circuit: Closed
• 4th Circuit: Working Remotely, Trial Courts Updates and Announcements
• 5th Circuit: Closed
• 6th Circuit: Closed
• 7th Probate: See Probate Dockets for information
• 8th Circuit: Closed

General Sessions Civil Courts

Due to forecasted inclement weather, all General Sessions Court dockets and operations will be closed Wednesday, February 19, including jail dockets. Night Court operations will remain open. General Sessions Court employees should not report to work.

Please check our website, social media, and mobile app for further updates.

Public Defender's Office

The Public Defenders Office is closed on Wednesday, February 19. We are following the courts' closure schedule.

Davidson County District Attorney's Office

Due to the forecasted inclement weather and because the Courthouse and Courts are closed Wednesday, February 19.

Metro Social Services

Metro Social Services has shifted its daily activities in adjustment to the impending snow event expected tonight through mid-day Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Our client demographic is comprised of individuals and families in Davidson County that are battling multiple socio-economic barriers.

Many do not have transportation nor ample finances to adequately support themselves, or are managing mental health and medical challenges, and more. This can significantly compromise their ability to remain safe during extreme weather events.

To ensure they are safe and stable during the snowstorm, we have taken the following precautions as of Tuesday, February 18:

Regular and Snow Meal Delivery

This service is specifically for our homebound clients in congregate settings and private residences. Clients include seniors and those who are disabled.

733 – meals delivered by our Home Ambassadors to our current clients as part of our regular weekly meal deliveries. Snow meal boxes were also delivered to current clients to carry them through the snow event, should the snow impact their access to food. The boxes can last up to one week. Food included does not require electricity to open or prepare.

Daily meal service is cancelled for tomorrow. Recipients are asked to utilize the snow meals delivered.

Senior Welfare Calls: Level 2

This service is available to all our senior and disabled clients – homebound and not. This is a new service we launched Fall, 2024.

Calls were conducted by our social workers today, checking on our senior and disabled clients. In addition to their general wellbeing, as part of the Level 2 status, staff asked weather specific questions such as: "Do you need us to get your prescriptions refilled before the storm?" "Is your heating system working properly?" If they had a need, staff was dispatched to immediately address their need.

Urgent Home Visits

This service is available to all of our clients, including homebound, should they have an urgent need.

2 – the number of home visits we made today to clients for various critical needs ahead of the storm.

Indigent Burials

This is a long-standing service MSS has provided Wednesday mornings for those in Davidson County who passed away without the financial means to pay for burial costs or those who have not had a loved one to claim their remains.
Burial services scheduled for Wed, February 19, are cancelled due to inclement weather.

Communication with OEM

MSS’ executive director Renee Pratt has been in close communication with Chief Swann, head of Nashville's Office of Emergency Management, monitoring the weather event. Additionally, Director Pratt has directed MSS department leadership to monitor the weather and follow our usual protocol of working closely with staff and other departments to ensure the safety of Nashville residents.

Office Hours

Director Pratt is monitoring the weather to determine what our office hours will be. That announcement is forthcoming.

Office of Homeless Services

The Shelter will open Tuesday at 7 p.m. and remain open for 24 hours on Wednesday

Weather Alerts

Always know when Metro's Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter is open. Text the word "NashvilleWinter" to 84483. Once enrolled, you'll receive a text when Metro's Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter opens.

Metro Emergency Overflow Shelter

Opens with Extended Hours

• Opens Tuesday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. and remains open 24hrs Wednesday, February 19.
• We will continue to monitor the weather for the next 7 days.
• TEXT: OHSALERT to 888-777 for updates on shelter openings.

Primary Shelters

• Metro operates an emergency overflow shelter to support Nashville's shelter capacity needs. People are encouraged to seek primary shelters as a first option.
• Primary shelters include the Nashville Rescue Mission, Room In The Inn and Launch Pad.

WeGo

Due to forecasted winter weather, WeGo Public Transit buses and WeGo Access service will operate on a Saturday schedule with snow routes Wednesday, February 19. Snow routes are for routes that need to use a detour to navigate safely during inclement weather. For a list of snow route detours, visit WeGoTransit.com.

The WeGo Star, Star shuttles (routes 64 Star Downtown Shuttle and 93 Star West End Shuttle), and bus routes 9 MetroCenter and 84 Murfreesboro will operate their normal weekday schedules. All other regional bus service will not run on Wednesday.

As road conditions change, WeGo may make further adjustments to its operating schedule. Access customers may experience delays as Operators navigate roads. If conditions are unsafe affected customers will be notified. Safety is our number one priority, so please be aware that there may be additional delays as bus operators are proceeding cautiously. We ask that you allow for additional travel time so we can help get you where you need to go safely.

Customers should check one of the mobile real-time information tools such as the Transit App. The Transit App can be downloaded in your app store. Follow WeGo Public Transit on social media (@WeGoTransit) and visit WeGoTransit.com for continuous updates.

hubNashville

hubNashville will be available by phone at 311 or 615-862-5000 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and 24/7 at hub.nashville.gov or on the hubNashville app.

Metro Clerk

The Metro Clerk's Office will be working remotely Wednesday, February 19.

Department of Emergency Communications (DEC)

DEC will remain operational will be activating members of our NTERT tactical dispatch team to aid in supplemental staffing anticipating increased call volumes.

Metro Parks Department

• Community Centers will open be open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Disability Program will not operate. on a school closure schedule.
• Visual Arts Program will not operate.
• Golf Courses will be closed tomorrow.

Metro Action Commission

Due to the potential of inclement weather conditions, all Metropolitan Action Commission (MAC) buildings will be closed on Wednesday, February 19.

MAC Team members will be available remotely to assist with requests for help with utility payments, rent, mortgage and other emergency assistance.

The following are details of the operational changes on Friday:

• MAC Head Start and Early Head Start pre-school centers: The agency's Head Start and Early Head Start pre-school centers will be closed. Team members will be working remotely to assist parents with emergency resources as needed.
• MAC main office location/headquarters: The agency's main office location will be closed. Team members will be working remotely to address requests for help with utility payments and emergency assistance with rent and mortgage payments and all other agency business.

Customers can reach the agency through the call center by dialing 615-862-8860 or by emailing the agency at metro.action@nashville.gov. If weather conditions allow, Metro Action will reopen on Thursday, February 20.

Davidson County Election Commission

On Wednesday, the Election Commission office will be closed to walk-in traffic and all staff will be working remotely. Calls to our main line 615-862-8800 will be answered from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., as will email communication to vote.questions@nashville.gov

Metro Nashville Davidson County Codes Department

For Codes there will be no building or trade inspections Wednesday but all staff will monitor email and phones remotely.

The Office of the Metropolitan Trustee

The Office of the Metropolitan Trustee will open every workday through the end of property tax season, Friday, Feb 28, 2025, unless Metro decides to close offices, and we will follow suit.

The office will also be open extended hours until the payment deadline.

Davidson county property owners, 2024 property taxes are due Friday, February 28, 2025. To better serve taxpayers, the office of the metropolitan trustee will open extended hours:

• Saturday, February 22 - Open 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Monday, February 24 Friday, February 28 - Open 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Metro Water Services (MWS)

MWS encourages homeowners to protect their pipes. Water expands when it freezes, and frozen pipes are at risk of breaking. If properties experience a frozen or broken pipe, they should contact a plumber as MWS is unable to respond to private plumbing issues.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and backflow preventers.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

How to prevent frozen pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Close vents to crawl spaces to protect pipes and cover outdoor spigots.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• Insulate backflow preventers and provide a heater, if necessary.

How to safely thaw a frozen pipe

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Locate you water shut off valve

• The ability to quickly close this valve may prevent further damage to your home in the event one of your interior pipes burst.
• The shut-off valve may be in the basement, under the kitchen sink, in a utility closet, near the hot water heater, or even under your home in a crawl space.
• If you think you have found it, be sure to test it.
• If you cannot locate your inside shut-off valve or do not have one installed, we recommend that you contact your plumber.

Additionally, when temperatures rise, an increase in water main breaks caused by ground shift is anticipated. Potential water main breaks should be reported to MWS as soon as possible to 615-862-4600. If water is seen bubbling up in a roadway or flowing in an unusual place, or residents experience a water outage or unexplained low pressure, it may be the result of a broken water main. Current break investigations or active break repairs can be viewed on the MWS Outage map at Metro Water Services Outage Map.

Preparing for Winter Weather

• Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing.
• Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication.
• Remember the needs of your pets.
• Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
• If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.

Heating Safety

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
• Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Portable Generator Safety

• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust by operating your generator outside for proper ventilation.
• Never refuel your generator when it is running. Let it cool down first.
• Do not store fuel in a garage, basement or inside your home. Vapors can be released that can cause illness and are a potential fire hazard.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector inside your home to warn you in case of a gas leak.
• Never hook up a generator directly to your home's electrical service or wiring. This can cause back feeding and poses a serious risk to NES line workers.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

Driving Safety

• You should be careful when traveling on roadways. Freezing rain, sleet, black ice, and fog are all hazards to be aware of when driving.
• You can check current road conditions online on the TDOT Smartway Map.
• If weather reports indicate icy conditions, consider staying off the roads until they are clear.
• Black ice is highly transparent, so it is hard to see while driving.
• Tips that may help if you get caught in areas of black ice:
• Keep your steering wheel straight. If you turn the wheel, you have a better chance of sliding and losing control of your vehicle.
• Do not brake. Braking causes the vehicle to slide, especially if you brake too hard.
• Take your foot off the accelerator to reduce speed. It is best to let the car stop on its own if you have enough room in front of you.
  Protect your Pets:
• Bring your furry friends inside when temperatures take a dip! More pet prep tips: www.ready.gov/pets
• Wipe dog's paws after each trip outside. Ice-melting chemicals or rock salt can cause irritation, sickness or be fatal.
• Your pet may think antifreeze is sweet, but it can be deadly.

Prepare now for lost power

• #WinterStorms can cause power outages prepare now: www.ready.gov/power-outages
• Make a plan to check on neighbors if extreme cold or winter weather knocks out your power.
• Power Outage tip: Dim the brightness in your cell phone settings to save battery life.

Helpful Links

NES Power Outage Center
Heating Safety
Winter Driving Safety
NES Power Outage Tips
TDOT Smartway Map
Winter Weather and Pets