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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has declared a state of emergency ahead of a massive winter storm predicted.

Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday issued a state of emergency for all 95 counties ahead of a major winter storm expected to sweep across the state this weekend.

Snow, ice, freezing rain and freezing temperatures are possible beginning with light snow Friday night, according to the National Weather Service. 

Saturday is expected to bring a mix of freezing rain and sleet, transitioning to snow on Sunday morning. Frigid temperatures in the single digits are expected to last into early next week, according to NWS.

Portions of the state could see snow and sleet accumulations in excess of six inches, according to weather forecasts. Ice accumulations of a quarter inch or more are most likely along and south of Interstate 40.

Dangerous travel, power outages and potential downed trees and tree branches are possible, and cold temperatures are likely to prolong the storm’s impacts.

Lee’s office urged Tennesseans to stay off of roadways unless travel is essential. Tennessee Department of Transportation teams have begun pretreating roadways — focusing on interstates and state routes first — and Tennessee Highway Patrol will be working at all hours during the storm.

The state’s level 3 emergency status allows state resources to support local requests for assistance and activates the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan. More information, including warming center locations and safety tips, are available on TEMA’s January 2026 Winter Weather page.

Portions of West and Middle Tennessee are under a winter storm warning, and several southwest Tennessee counties are under an ice storm warning, according to NWS. East Tennessee is under a winter storm watch.

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