MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jan. 23, 2026 —The City of Memphis is preparing for a potentially severe winter weather event beginning Friday, January at 6pm. Residents should be prepared for extremely hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and interruptions to water service.
Forecasted conditions include potential ice accumulation, which cannot be effectively cleared by snow plows. Once roads are iced over, travel becomes especially dangerous. Residents are strongly urged to stay off the roads. Vehicle crashes during ice events not only put lives at risk, but they can damage power poles, substations, and other critical infrastructure, potentially causing widespread or prolonged power outages. If you must travel by car, please check our roadway map at memphistn.gov/snow-ice for treated roads.
City departments are activating the winter weather readiness plan and coordinating to protect public safety and maintain essential services as conditions allow. Crews are pre-positioning equipment and monitoring conditions in real time, but residents should expect limited response capabilities during peak storm conditions.
Public Works crews are treating priority routes with brine in advance of the storm to reduce icing where possible. Even with treatment, roads may quickly become impassable, and travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
MLGW suggests winter weather preparations including preparations for power outages and water issues. See more here.
To support residents during extreme cold, the City is partnering with the Hospitality Hub to operate a warming center at First Baptist Church, 200 East Parkway North. Transportation can be arranged by calling 901-486-0939 during operating hours. Additional sites may open as conditions require.
City services may be delayed or suspended due to weather and safety concerns. Residents should monitor official City of Memphis channels for updates as conditions evolve.
Updates will be shared at MemphisTN.gov and through official City social media accounts. Winter weather preparedness information is available at memphistn.gov/winterweather.
A news conference will be held at 9:15 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Office of Emergency Management, 2668 Avery Ave., lower level. The briefing will be streamed on City of Memphis social media channels and local news outlets.
Media Contact:
Arlenia Cole, City of Memphis, Email [email protected]