Winter storm warning issued for Middle Tennessee: 7 inches of snow possible in some areas
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for all Middle Tennessee ahead of the forecasted freezing temperatures and snow, upgrading the rating from the previous winter storm watch.
The winter storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, but the freezing temperatures will last a couple days thereafter.
“First up, dangerous cold,” said NWS Nashville on social media on Saturday. “Today's the last day until Thursday we'll be above freezing.”
And despite residents waking to a sunny Sunday morning, temperatures across the area already stood far below freezing.
Here's a look at current temperatures across Middle TN. We are below freezing areawide, and this is where we'll stay until late Thursday morning. Let's talk about what we're expecting with this winter storm 🧵⬇️ #TNwx pic.twitter.com/nM4EXuqaXT
— NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) January 14, 2024
The weather service forecasts at the minimum 2 inches of snow throughout the region, with snow total predictions across southern and eastern Middle Tennessee increasing, according to Sunday's forecast.
Current predictions have two to four inches of snow falling across northwest Middle Tennessee, but NWS Nashville meteorologist Corey Mueller warns that there may be "a few totals up to 7 inches" in areas south and east of Nashville.
Thankfully, according to Mueller, there is currently no "ice or ice rain" in the forecast, indicating that a layer of ice settling on top of the snow is unlikely.
Snow predictions: See how much snow is expected across Middle Tennessee
Due to sustained freezing temperatures, however, the snow is expected not to melt until at least Thursday.
Here is a look at the latest timing loop of the snow. #TNwx pic.twitter.com/mKQ6xSGqB4
— NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) January 14, 2024
Thursday's warm up is "not a big one," Mueller warned, with temperatures hovering in the 30's. But it should clear out any remaining snow, he said, before a potential, smaller "rain or snow" system moves through Thursday evening.
Metro extending shelter hours
Metro Nashville will be extending the hours of operation for its Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter in preparation for the storm's impacts on those who are unhoused.
The shelter will open at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan.14 and will remain open until Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.
It is located at 3230 Brick Church Pike, Nashville, TN.
Couples and pets are welcome, and pets must be crated.
Metro Social Services will continue monitoring the weather to determine if a further extension is needed, and asks that those in need of shelter first go to the Nashville Rescue Mission, located at 639 Lafayette St., and Room In The Inn, located at 705 Drexel St.
Catch up with previous coverage
More on snow forecast: How much will it snow in Nashville, Middle TN? Here is what the National Weather Service is saying
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville, Middle TN weather: Winter storm warning, snow chances rise
