Nashville Winter Storm: Power Outages and Extreme Cold

The approaching winter storm poses several challenges for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain can lead to significant ice accumulation on trees and power lines, increasing the risk of power outages.

Nashville Electric Service (NES) covers approximately 470,000 customers in Davidson County and parts of six surrounding counties. Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) serves nearly 360,000 customers south and east of Nashville. Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (CEMC) covers 114,000 customers mostly north of Nashville.

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The potential for temperatures to reach zero degrees Fahrenheit is a significant concern. Such extreme cold is rare in Nashville, particularly without snow cover. The last time Nashville International Airport recorded a temperature of zero degrees was in 2024, with previous occurrences in 2022 and the 1990s. A snowpack increases the chance of hitting zero because snow prevents Earth’s energy from escaping, warming the lower atmosphere. Snow also reflects most of the sun’s visible light during the day preventing much daytime heating.

You can report outages to Nashville Electric Service online, via text, or by phone. Cumberland Electric and Middle Tennessee Electric have similar reporting options via their websites, apps, or phone lines.

Zero-degree temperatures are uncommon because of Nashville's geographic location. Snow cover increases the likelihood of such extreme cold.

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