The Nashville Office of Emergency Management is working with Metro Nashville Government Departments and essential community services to prepare for possible severe winter weather forecast by The National Weather Service (NWS).
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for all Middle TN through 6 am Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Significant snow, sleet, and freezing rain accumulations are likely. The highest snow totals will occur farther west, with increased amounts of sleet and freezing rain farther east. Travel impacts are expected, especially Monday and Tuesday, according to the NWS.
For important safety information and weather updates sign up for the Metro Emergency Alert & Notification System. (MEANS) It is free to download.
Metro Nashville Departments as well as state agencies met virtually with OEM to coordinate resources and preparations for the winter weather.
Metro Nashville Public Schools:
Metro Schools are closed on Monday, February 15, for a teacher in-service day.
Metro Schools is asking employees to work remotely due to hazardous road and weather conditions.
Enrollment centers and central offices will be closed physically, with staff supporting families through phone and email.
Metro Nashville Public Works:
Road crews began working 12-Hour Shifts to salt roads around Metro Nashville Davidson county.
Metro Public Works will continue to monitor area roads as the weather arrives to clear primary and secondary roads as needed.
Metro Water Services:
Customers are urged to take necessary precautions to prevent water pipes in your home from freezing:
- Remove all exterior hose connections and insulate the hose bibs.
- Cover foundation vents.
- Insulate exposed water pipes.
- Allow your home’s warmer air to reach the water pipes by opening cabinet doors.
- Allow a small trickle of water, about the size of a pencil lead, to run from a cold water faucet.
- Keep meter box closed to prevent cold air from reaching the meter and the pipes.
- Locate the water shut-off valve inside your home. The ability to quickly close this valve may prevent further damage to your home if 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 and consider labelling it so it is easy to locate.
If you do experience frozen water lines, remember to never use open flames. An open flame could cause the water in the pipe to turn into steam and build up enough pressure to split the pipe. Sometimes ice in a pipe will melt if you warm it with a hair dryer or wrap it in hot towels.
For leaking or broken pipes within your home, contact a plumber.
Leaking or broken water mains should be reported to 615-862-4600 immediately.
Community Assessment Centers:
All COVID-19 Community Assessment Centers operated by Meharry Medical College, including at Nissan Stadium Lot “N” are closed on Monday, February 15, 2021 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
All COVID-19 Community Assessment Centers operated by Meharry Medical College, including at Nissan Stadium Lot “N” will remain closed on Tuesday due to extreme cold weather.
OEM Cold Patrols:
The Nashville OEM ESU Members will continue cold patrols in the evenings to check on members of the homeless community who are out in the cold.
OEM ESU Members will also provide blankets, gloves, hand warmers and other care items to those who would like them.
Transportation to the Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter or other sheltering options will be arranged for people who want to get out of the cold.
Extreme Cold Weather Shelter:
An Extreme Cold Weather Shelter will open Sunday, February 14, 2021, Monday, February 15, 2021 and Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at the Nashville Fairgrounds located at 500 Wedgewood Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203.
The cold weather shelter will remain open during the day Monday through Tuesday morning. People with pets are welcome at the Cold Weather Overflow Shelter.
More information about the Nashville Cold Weather Community Response plan, including future Extreme Cold Weather Shelter openings