Winter Storm Fern will not soon be forgotten in Music City. It left trees, streets, and power lines coated with a shiny layer of ice. The storm forced thousands to cope in the brutal cold with no electricity. Being on the road was especially treacherous. And weather conditions are expected to go downhill.
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There were some 230,000 power outages in and around Nashville, per The Tennessean, along with motor vehicle accidents caused by the hazardous ice, making travel dangerous. The number of power outages is more than those that affected Nashville historically, after a windstorm in May 2020 and an ice storm in February 1994.
The outlet did note that some gradual progress was being made in restoring power. According to Nashville Electric Service, 217,000 customers had no electricity by 4:45 p.m. on January 25.
Officials Took Action in the Wake of the Storm
Per the outlet, Governor Bill Lee said in a news conference on January 25, "We do expect them (conditions) to change and worsen in some ways." He was referring to anticipated gusty winds and plunging temperatures, adding to the challenging situation for the state's residents. He urged people to make sure their neighbors are alright.
According to The Tennessean, "Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has declared a state of emergency, and Lee said he has been in communication with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA...." O'Connell also said, "We have a long way to go before this is over." He added, "I can't remember an ice event of this magnitude, in terms of impact."
Nashville Police Chief Urges Patience
"'It's been very challenging times for all of us, and I know it's difficult in these cold temperatures, but we ask that you be patient,' said Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake," per WSMV. At one point, the police department had 400 calls waiting to be dealt with.
He also cautioned, "I know a lot of people bundled up throughout the night and braved it, but tonight is going to be very, very cold. Please consider one of the shelters if you can."
Warming shelters were available for those with no heat at home. Per the Nashville Banner, wind chills were expected to dip to zero or slightly below.
