Summary (tl;dr)

A severe ice storm has caused extensive power outages across Middle Tennessee, leaving hundreds of thousands of Nashville Electric Service (NES) customers without electricity amidst dangerously cold temperatures.

Essential Background

Prior to the current conditions, the Nashville Office of Emergency Management activated its Emergency Operations Center, and a Winter Storm Warning was issued for the area from January 24th to January 25th, anticipating heavy snow or significant sleet accumulation. Winter storms bringing freezing rain and ice are a recurring hazard in Tennessee, often leading to power disruptions.

The Full Story

On January 25, 2026, a massive winter storm brought freezing rain and accumulating ice to Middle Tennessee, resulting in widespread power outages. Nashville Electric Service (NES) reported over 195,000 customers in Nashville and Davidson County without power, with the number rapidly escalating from early Sunday morning. Across the state, more than 300,000 people experienced power loss, impacting multiple counties including Sumner, Williamson, Maury, Dickson, Montgomery, and Robertson. The freezing rain and ice accumulation caused trees to snap and power lines to fall, leading to extensive damage and projections of prolonged restoration efforts. Utility companies like NES have mobilized numerous crews, working extended shifts, and have called in additional resources for repairs. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee declared a federal disaster for all 95 counties in the state in response to the winter storm. The National Weather Service is also forecasting heavy snow today, followed by dangerously cold temperatures.

Why It Matters

The widespread power outages are critical given the dangerously low temperatures, which pose significant health and safety risks to residents lacking heat. Many people are actively searching for the "nes outage map" and "nashville power outages" to track electricity status and estimated restoration times, as cold conditions are expected to persist. The severe weather has also led to the closure of schools and courts, disrupting daily life and essential services across the region. Emergency services are providing vital safety advice, including information on warming shelters and methods for reporting outages.

Geographic Location

• Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States (widespread power outages due to ice storm)
• Middle Tennessee, Tennessee, United States (widespread power outages affecting multiple counties)
• Sumner County, Tennessee, United States (substantial power outages)
• Williamson County, Tennessee, United States (substantial power outages)
• Maury County, Tennessee, United States (substantial power outages)
• Dickson County, Tennessee, United States (substantial power outages)
• Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States (substantial power outages)
• Robertson County, Tennessee, United States (substantial power outages)