Many Metro Nashville-Davidson County offices returned to normal operations on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Other Metro Offices will offer remote and virtual services.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Thursday and into Friday morning.
NWS forecasts mixed precipitation, including ice. Total ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch and snow accumulations less than one inch are expected. Timing of the arrival of the precipitation is from noon Thursday to 9:00 am Friday.
Drivers should expect slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Travel conditions remain treacherous in some locations because of lingering snow cover.
It is important you take precautions during this weather event both at home and when traveling along roadways.
Metro Operation Update
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Due to hazardous road conditions caused by inclement weather, Metro Nashville Public Schools are closed Thursday, January 18 and Friday, January 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.
Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
OEM will continue to monitor and respond as needed. We will also continue to conduct cold patrols, assist motorist, and assist those out in the elements with blankets, gloves, hats, and getting those in need to shelters.
Wednesday Totals for OEM Field Responders
Vehicle Checks/tags: 51
Vehicle Assists: 26
Gloves: 25
Hats: 20
Blankets: 25
Socks: 15
Water Main Break Responses: 7
Emergency Support Units (ESUs) conducted cold patrols from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday Totals for ESUs
Blankets: 22
Hats: 24
Gloves: 26
Coats: 2
Socks: 6
Hand warmers: 20
Tarps: 1
Waters: 8
Vehicle Assist: 10
The Emergency Support Unit (ESU) members volunteer to augment regular emergency management services provided by the Office of Emergency Management during periods of actual or threatened emergencies, to conduct search and rescue operations and to assist with public events.
Disaster Recovery Center
The Disaster Recovery Center located at Madison Public Library (610 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115) will be closed Friday, January 19th, 2024, and Saturday, January 20th, 2024.
Department of Emergency Communication
The Department of Emergency Communications Operations are normal.
Nashville Fire Department (NFD)
NFD has snow chains on fire apparatus and ambulances.
Non-essential employees who can work remotely will do so on Thursday. This does not apply to our emergency operations.
Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD)
MNPD urges you to be ready for a potential deterioration of road conditions as a result of this evening’s weather. Please restrict travel if ice becomes prevalent on major thoroughfares.
Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT)
The Nashville Department of Transportation & Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) has 7,000 tons of salt on hand and is ready to treat roadways as more winter weather is expected to fall across Davidson County this afternoon. The department is currently plowing and salting secondary routes. As this second round of winter weather continues, the department will return to treat primary routes as necessary. The winter weather mix expected this afternoon, paired with snow on the ground and extremely cold temperatures will create icy conditions on roads across the city.
Primary and secondary routes are cleared first during winter weather events to provide a network of access for emergency response vehicles and public transportation. If you would like to request your neighborhood street be cleared, submit a Snow and Ice Removal request through hubNashville. All hubNashville requests will be completed in the order they’re received. We have not started on the request list at this time, as crews are still treating secondary routes and primary routes will be prioritized during the ongoing weather event.
NDOT crews continue to run 12-hour shifts 24/7 and our crews are committed to ensuring all primary and secondary routes are clear. Crews are able to work more safely and effectively when roadways are clear of motorist traffic. If you must travel tonight, be sure to slow down and give plenty of room for NDOT and TDOT crews to work.
Black ice will be a major concern tonight and in the morning. Please drive extremely carefully. Remember:
- Don’t crowd the plow
- Ice and snow, take it slow
- Don’t panic
- Keep your steering wheel straight; maintain speed or coast
- Never stomp on your brakes
Get more information on NDOT’s Snow Removal Program
Nashville Electric Service (NES)
TVA has ended their request for voluntary energy curtailment. However, NES encourages customers to continue following energy saving tips to help manage their next power bill.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
TVA is tracking the continued cold weather impacts while we’re working to ensure our system meets the forecasted high demands through the weekend.
- TVA remains in a healthy system position. Our power system remains stable with our generating plants operating as planned.
- As we continue our focus on system reliability through the weekend with expected relatively high demands, we have called on all TVA and contracted generation resources and made system purchases as needed
- The Transmission system remains intact with no critical lines out. We are in regular contact with local power companies and other stakeholders to ensure we’re sharing system information in a timely fashion.
- We’re grateful to our employees, as well as our local power company partners, who are working to keep everyone safe and warm.
- Thank you to consumers across the region for their energy conservation efforts during these bitterly cold temperatures.
We can still use your help during this high demand time:
- Set your thermostat to 65-68 degrees. You can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day in the fall and winter.
- Ensure your window coverings on the sunny side of your house are open.
- Unplug unused electronics.
- Unblock your air vents.
- Reduce your energy usage by turning off non-essential appliances and lights and refrain from using large appliances during the coldest part of the day.
- Postpone use of hot water and adjust water heater’s temperature.
- Weatherstrip doors and windows.
- Protect your pipes from freezing by insulating them. Allow water to drip from indoor faucets during freezing temperatures. And disconnect garden hoses and sprinklers.
- Commercial Business: Turn off any lights and office equipment (or place in sleep mode) when not in use and turn off air-conditioning/heating outside of business hours.
Metro Water Services (MWS)
Trash and recycling collection is suspended through the remainder of the week. Service is anticipated to resume Monday, January 22, on the normal collection schedule.
Convenience centers will tentatively open on Saturday, January 20. However, please be advised that this schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions. Metro Water Fleet, in collaboration with the Waste Services Fleet Supervisor, has been diligently plowing and salting all convenience centers and the Waste Administration location to ensure areas are a safe for both our staff and the residents.
Despite the challenging weather, we have observed residents utilizing drop-off sites, even with iced-over lots. Upon inspection, most roll-off containers at the sites are at full capacity. As soon as we are able, we will resume site operations.
The recent cold temperatures have posed challenges not only in road safety but also fleet operations. Freezing hydraulic lines hampers the trucks' ability to empty containers or lift trash and recycle carts. As temperatures rise, we anticipate the trucks will resume normal operation.
While we understand the importance of resuming collection service and reopening the convenience centers promptly, the safety and well-being of our employees and the community remain our top priority. We will be continuously evaluating the conditions throughout the day, and any updates will be promptly communicated.
Nashville residents are encouraged to sign up for service alerts by visiting wasteservices.nashville.gov or downloading the Nashville Waste and Recycling app.
Davidson County Clerk and Master's Office
If the Metro Courthouse is open to the public during inclement weather, the Clerk and Master's office will be open with limited staff. E-filing remains available.
Metro Social Services
- MSS office will be closed but staff will be working remotely. Those needing assistance can call 615.862.6432
- Staff continuing to make welfare checks on our senior, disabled, and homebound clients via phone calls.
Metro's Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter (ECWOS)
The ECWOS will remain open through at least Saturday at 10 a.m.
Attendance
Sunday night 298 (6 wheelchair bound) 5 pets.
Monday night, 374 (9 wheelchair bound), 6 pets
Tuesday night, 361 (8 wheelchair bound), 6 dogs
Wed night, 345 (7 wheelchair bound), 2 pets
...extended overflow 20 people, 2 pets
Bilingual staff on-site
Space
More than sufficient space and beds remain available. No one has been turned away from the facilities due to capacity issues. We planned for this.
Transportation
- WeGo will continue providing free bus rides via #23B to the shelters throughout the day and evening however, WeGo is operating on its snow route.
- Free shuttle rides will continue. During the day, those needing a ride can call and request a ride at the following number: 615-844-3399. The regular shuttle pickup schedule will resume at 6:30 p.m.
- Couples and pets welcome. They must be crated. We also provide crates on site.
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.
WeGo
Riders should check WeGoTransit.com and social media as conditions change later Thursday.
Due to winter weather, WeGo Public Transit will operate on a Saturday schedule with snow routes on Friday, January 19. Route 9 MetroCenter will also run.
Regional bus service will operate as scheduled with one exception. Route 84 Murfreesboro will not serve Middle Tennessee State University and will terminate at the Rover Transit Center. The WeGo Star, 64 Star Downtown Shuttle, and 93 Star West End Shuttle will operate as regularly scheduled.
Snow routes are for routes that need to use a detour to navigate safely during inclement weather. For details on snow routes, visit the Weather Alerts page at WeGoTransit.com.
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.
WeGo Access is operating, but paratransit customers are advised to prepare for possible delays as drivers will be proceeding with caution through neighborhoods.
Customers should watch for media alerts on local television stations, follow WeGo Public Transit on social media (@WeGoTransit), and visit WeGoTransit.com for continuous updates. Customers can also check one of the mobile real-time information tools such as Google Transit or the Transit App.
Metro Public Health
Metro Public Health Department clinics will remain closed Friday. Employees who can work from home will continue to do so during the closure.
Animal Control Officers with MACC will continue to respond to calls for service as they can safely do so.
Metro Parks Department
Metro Parks facilities will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, January 19 for all facilities except those listed below, which will remain closed.
- Golf Courses
- Hamilton Creek Marina
- Bells Bend Outdoor Recreation Center
- Beaman Nature Center
Please check with individual facilities to determine if programs and classes will be offered at regularly scheduled times.
The 4 p.m. closing time may change depending on tomorrow’s weather.
Assessor of Property
The Assessor of Property Office is closed Friday, January 19, 2024.
Staff will continue to work remotely, responding to voicemails left at our main number of 615-862-6080 and emails sent to [email protected] or if you send a voicemail/email directly to one of my amazing staff persons.
Metro Nashville Finance Department
The Finance Department will continue to work from home for the remainder of this week.
Metro Action Commission
Metro Action will remain in full remote operations for Friday.
The call center will be open for regular hours from 8am until 4:30pm for all customer service questions inclusive of help with workforce and youth employment, rent and mortgage payments, housing and utility payments, and other emergency services provided by the agency.
The agency will continue to accept applications by email and by on-site drop box at the main office (800 2nd Avenue, North) if road conditions allow security to open the building.
The agency’s Early Head Start Child Care and Head Start Preschool Programs will remain closed on Friday. Parents should call their child’s center if they have emergency issues such as food or other urgent matters.
Nashville Public Libraries
All Nashville Public Libraries will be closed Friday. Any hold items that were due to be picked up on Friday will be held until Wednesday, January 23, to give customers time to pick up.
Metro Nashville Human Resources
Metro Human Resources will work remote on Friday. For all general HR assistance, please contact 615-862-6640. For all benefit assistance, please contact [email protected] or 615-862-6700.
Metro Clerk's Office
The Metro Clerk’s Office will work remotely for the remainder of the week.
The Metro Council will be holding a postponed regular meeting on Tuesday January 23 at 6:30 pm. The Council Staff Office will be working remotely through Friday January 19.
Juvenile Court
Juvenile Court will be closed Friday, January 19, 2024.
Davidson Criminal Courts
The Criminal Courts are closed tomorrow.
1st, 4th, and 8th Circuit Courts are hearing motions virtually.
2nd and 5th Circuit Courts have canceled their motion dockets and moved them to next Friday, January 26th. 3rd, 6th and 7th Circuit are offering in-person hearings and virtual options.
Chancery Court Parts I and II have canceled their dockets.
Chancery Court, Part II has reset the motions for Friday, February 9th.
Chancery Courts Part III and IV will hear their motion dockets virtually.
Our office will post any further information as we receive it on our app, website, and social media platforms.
Nashville Davidson County Register of Deeds
The Nashville Davidson County Register of Deeds Office will remain closed Friday due to winter weather conditions.
Metro Nashville Davidson County Planning Department
The Nashville Planning Department will work on fully-remote schedule on Friday, January 19. You can reach out to staff via email at [email protected]. Please stay off the roads and stay safe.
Metro Nashville Davidson County Codes Department
The Codes Department will be monitoring emails and phone calls and working remotely Friday, January 19th.
Metro Historical and Historic Zoning Commissions
The Metro Historical and Historic Zoning Commissions will be working remotely on Friday.
Davidson County Election Commission
The main office of the Election Commission (1417 Murfreesboro Pike) will open at 10:00am on Friday, January 19. The downtown office (800 President Ronald Reagan Way) will be closed on Friday.
The Office of the Metropolitan Trustee
The Trustee’s office will be CLOSED Friday 1/19 to the public, but will still have all online/remote/phone services available 8am – 4:30pm.
Office of Family Safety
The Metro Office of Family Safety is open for order of protection services at the Family Safety Center at 610 Murfreesboro Pike from 9:30am to 4pm on Friday, January 19th.
Remote and in-person services are available. The Jean Crowe Advocacy Center follows all court closures and will remain closed until the courts have opened.
Metro Legal
Metro Legal will work remotely, with attorneys and staff available for calls or WebEx meetings as needed.
hubNashville
hubNashville is operating as usual for non-emergency Metro services and information. 311 is available for callers from 8am-5pm; hub.nashville.gov and the hubNashville 311 app are available 24/7.
Nashville Farmer's Market
The building will be open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. As always, individual business hours vary.
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! Get more pet prep tips.
- 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. Find out five ways to protect pets in winter.
Prepare Now for Lost Power
- #WinterStorms can cause power outages prepare now.
- 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.
- NES Power Outage Center
Other Tips and Information
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