City of Memphis Winter Weather Operations Update

January 2026 Winter Weather Updates
 

Snow/Ice Mitigation Map: https://memphistn.gov/snow-ice/

Public Works:

Public Works crews worked around the clock to clear snow and ice from Memphis streets, following the snow and ice mitigation plan implemented in 2025. More information about the plan is available at https://memphistn.gov/snow-ice/
 
During the January 2026 winter weather event, crews applied more than 2,500 tons of salt to help melt snow and ice, more than 46,000 gallons of brine mix to roadways, and public works crews and contractors put in a total of 4,520 man-hours clearing streets, totaling 1,800 lane miles.
 
The City of Memphis Public Works Department is transitioning from snow and ice mitigation to citywide pothole repair operations. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles allow moisture to enter pavement surfaces, expand, and deteriorate asphalt, often resulting in an increase in potholes after winter weather events.
 
Public Works crews are actively assessing roadway conditions and initiating repairs throughout the city as conditions allow. To support public safety and maintain mobility, repairs will be prioritized based on traffic volume, roadway function, and operational needs:
  • Major arterials and emergency routes will be addressed first to support safe travel and emergency response.
  • Neighborhood streets will be repaired on a rolling basis as primary corridors are stabilized.
 
How to Report a Pothole
Residents are encouraged to report potholes through official City channels to assist with identification and prioritization:
Call 311
Use the Memphis 311 mobile app to submit locations and photos.
Visit 311.memphistn.gov
 
For potholes located on state-maintained roadways, including Poplar Avenue, Lamar Avenue, and interstate highways, residents should contact TDOT at 833-TDOTFIX.
 

Memphis Police:

The Memphis Police Department’s Inclement Weather Policy is no longer in effect. 

MPD Inclement Weather Policy. 
If you have been involved in a crash and there are no injuries, drinking or drugs involved and no wreckers are needed on the scene, the drivers should exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information and tag numbers of the vehicles involved and both drivers should arrange a time to meet at the nearest MPD Precinct or report to the MPD Traffic Office located at 3430 Austin Peay. Drivers should bring with them their vehicles, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration to file the crash report within ten (10) working days.

 

Warming Centers:

In partnership with the City of Memphis, the Hospitality Hub will operate Warming Centers for people experiencing homelessness during severe weather.
Transportation will be provided by MATA and can be requested by calling 901-486-0939.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Warming Center locations and operations, please check the Hospitality Hub Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HHubMemphis or the City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management at https://www.facebook.com/memphisoem.
 

MLGW: 

To report a power outage, contact MLGW at 901-544-6500.

MLGW outage Map can be found here:  https://www.mlgw.com/residential/outagemap

To report a gas leak, call MLGW’s 24-hour Emergency Line, 901-528-4465.

 

Libraries: 

The Memphis Public Library is now back in full operation. All branches are open and regular services have resumed, including in-person programs, public computer access, and standard operating hours.

 

Memphis Animal Services: 

Memphis Animal Services is now operating at full service and has resumed normal hours. MAS urges residents to bring pets indoors during freezing or extreme cold weather. Outdoor pets are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. If an animal must be outside briefly, owners must provide adequate shelter, dry bedding, and unfrozen water, as required by City ordinance. Concerns about pets in dangerous cold conditions can be reported by calling 901-545-COPS.

 

MATA:

MATA has returned to full fixed-route and MATAPlus service. Trolley Service remains suspended.

 

Traffic:
Dark traffic signals indicate a power interruption. These intersections should be treated as four-way stops until power is restored.
If MPD assistance is needed at heavily traveled intersections, please call 901-545-COPS (tel:901-545-COPS). The City of Memphis will prioritize the Memphis system first, then support sister cities as assistance is needed.
 

Solid Waste:

For solid waste collection updates check here.

 

Inclement Weather Notifications: 

The city of Memphis never closes. We are working to deliver services as regularly and thoroughly as possible. The City of Memphis will continue to keep residents informed with updates on the city’s website (MemphisTn.gov), as well as Facebook (@MEMCity) and Twitter (@Cityof Memphis) as information becomes available.

Check back for updated information regarding city facilities and services opening and closing.

 

Engineering: 

Dark traffic signals indicate a power interruption. These intersections should be treated as four-way stops until power is restored.

If MPD assistance is needed at heavily traveled intersections, please call 901-545-COPS. The City of Memphis will prioritize the Memphis system first, then support sister cities as assistance is needed.

 

Downed Trees and Other Non-Life-threatening Hazards
For immediate safety hazards (tree on roadway, blocking traffic, etc.), please reach out to the Office of Emergency Management reporting number: 901-636-2525.

 

Winter Storm Safety Tips

Road conditions:
Winter weather may cause icy roads across Memphis, especially bridges and overpasses. Avoid travel if possible. If you must drive, slow down and increase following distance.
Power outages:
Power outages are possible during winter weather in Memphis. Prepare by charging phones, gathering blankets and warm clothing, and planning to stay in one warm room. Never use stoves, ovens, or grills to heat your home.
Water outages:
Winter weather may disrupt water service in Memphis. Store water now for drinking and flushing toilets. Drip faucets to protect pipes and report issues when safe.
 

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