State officials have since confirmed five weather-related deaths across Tennessee following the powerful winter storm that moved into the state late last week, according to the Tennessee Department of Health and state emergency officials.
As of Monday evening, the fatalities were reported in Crockett, Haywood, and Obion counties, along with two deaths in Davidson County.
The storm, which brought a mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain, prompted Governor Bill Lee to issue a State of Emergency on Thursday, January 22. Two days later, President Donald Trump approved an Emergency Declaration, allowing federal support for the state’s response.
The Tennessee National Guard has also been activated at the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).
“Our Soldiers and Airmen are always ready to assist our fellow citizens,” said Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s adjutant general.
Guardsmen have assisted stranded motorists, conducted health and welfare checks, and transported more than 40 medical and essential personnel to hospitals. High-mobility vehicles and Black Hawk helicopters equipped with rescue hoists are on standby in areas with the greatest need.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has reported extensive impacts on roadways statewide as a result of the storm, with THP Colonel Matt Perry urging Tennesseans to avoid travel “if possible.”
“Our troopers are out round-the-clock helping people get to their destination safely. Right now, the safest choice is to stay home and if you do have to leave home, take your time and drive with caution,” Perry said.
Since 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, THP said troopers have responded to two fatal crashes, 61 crashes involving injuries, and 241 crashes with property damage.
Further, THP said it has conducted 906 motorist assists, responded to 269 roadway obstructions – many of which were caused by downed trees – and handled more than 2,100 calls for assistance.
As of Monday night, nearly 220,000 customers were without electricity across the state amid extreme cold and high demand. TEMA said lineworkers and other crews are working “around the clock” to restore service.
TEMA said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has activated its 1-800-TBI-FIND hotline to coordinate welfare checks to ensure vulnerable Tennesseans in affected areas are safe and have access to essential services amid the weather.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Storm Damage” by Nashville Electric Service.
