Nashville Braces for Ongoing Winter Weather: Metro Offices Adjust Services

Navigating the Winter Storm: Nashville Metro’s Response

As Nashville continues to grapple with the ongoing winter weather event, Metro Nashville-Davidson County offices are adjusting their services to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the area, with heavy snow continuing until 6 am Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing until at least Wednesday, with overnight lows in the teens to single digits.

Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

The OEM Field Responders and Emergency Support Unit (ESU) have been actively responding to the winter weather conditions, providing assistance to stranded motorists, distributing blankets, gloves, hats, and socks to those in need, and arranging transportation to shelters for vulnerable individuals. They will continue operations until 5:00 pm and then reassess the situation.

Nashville Fire Department (NFD)

NFD has equipped its apparatus, including ambulances, with snow chains to ensure safe movement during the winter storm. Additionally, their EMS division is strategically staging ambulances closer to hospitals to reduce travel time in case of emergencies.

Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT)

NDOT crews are diligently working around the clock in 12-hour shifts to salt and plow the primary routes, prioritizing access for emergency response vehicles and public transportation. The department has deployed 56 crews to work on a 24-hour basis, emphasizing safety and effectiveness when roadways are clear of traffic.

While non-essential NDOT personnel, including the Transportation Licensing Commission, will work remotely, all essential personnel will report as usual and continue their 12-hour shifts.

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)

TDOT’s regional teams are actively engaged in shift work to treat and clear routes, focusing on priority routes as traffic increases and snowfall persists. State and contract graders have been deployed to various areas for additional support.

Crews and trucks are being strategically relocated to ensure comprehensive coverage, but continuing vehicle crashes are adding complexity to efforts statewide.

Metro Nashville Public Schools

Due to the ongoing winter weather, Metro Nashville Public Schools will remain closed on Tuesday, January 16, and Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Metro Nashville Police Department

The MNPD urges residents to minimize travel on Tuesday unless absolutely necessary. Despite the adverse weather conditions, crashes have been minimal thus far. Officers continue to check on homeless individuals and camps, offering rides to shelters for those in need.

Metro Social Services

Metro Social Services (MSS) and the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) are collaborating to address the needs of vulnerable residents during this winter weather event. Nutritional program participants have received enough meals to last through the week and into the beginning of next week.

Weather permitting, welfare checks will resume tomorrow, and initial checks have confirmed that everyone is safe and has electricity.

Metro’s Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter

January 15, 2023, marks 10 years of operation for MSS’s Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter. On Sunday, 293 people and 5 pets sought shelter there.

In collaboration with community shelter partners like the Nashville Rescue Mission, there were enough space and staff to accommodate everyone seeking shelter. Over 300 free WeGo bus passes were distributed to facilitate transportation to the shelters.

The Metro shelter will remain open all day Monday through at least Wednesday morning at 10 AM. Officials are monitoring the weather to determine if extended hours are necessary.

WeGo will continue to provide free bus rides via #23B to the shelters throughout the day and evening, operating on its holiday and snow route.

Free shuttle rides are available for those needing transportation to the shelter. During the day, call 615.844.3399 to request a ride. The regular shuttle pickup schedule will resume at 6:30 pm.

While the shelter anticipated an influx of residents, they have engaged community shelters to ensure everyone seeking refuge can access it. Transportation will be provided, and couples and pets are welcome (pets must be crated, with crates provided on-site).

Office of Homeless Services

OHS outreach teams have been actively canvassing the city, visiting camps and distributing food to residents who choose not to come to the shelter. Translation services are also available for those with language barriers needing to access shelter.

OHS collaborated with Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Open Table to assist stranded drivers seeking shelter.

Stay Informed and Prepared

As the winter weather continues, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared. Monitor local news and weather updates, and adhere to safety guidelines issued by authorities. If travel is necessary, exercise extreme caution and allow extra time for your journey.

For the latest information on Metro Nashville-Davidson County office adjustments, service disruptions, and weather-related updates, visit the official website or follow social media channels.

Community Support

During this challenging time, the community’s support for vulnerable individuals is essential. Consider donating to local organizations providing shelter, food, and other necessities to those in need. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Together, we can navigate this winter storm and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nashvillians.