TENNESSEE — Meteorologists and local weather offices are warning that a potential winter storm could bring accumulating snow to much of Tennessee this weekend, and lingering conditions might result in school closures or schedule disruptions early next week. Confidence is growing that cold air and a storm system moving into the region will produce significant snow and hazardous travel conditions starting Friday night and lasting through Sunday.
HOW THE SNOW THREAT IS SHAPING UP
Weather forecasts indicate that a winter storm system is likely to affect Tennessee beginning late Friday and continuing into Sunday, with the most widespread snow expected Saturday. Forecasters say the exact snow totals and timing remain uncertain, and precipitation could also include sleet or ice in some areas, but increasingly wintry precipitation is expected across the state.
Meteorologists are issuing First Alert Weather Days for Middle Tennessee, noting that travel impacts are becoming more likely as the system evolves. Temperatures are expected to remain near or below freezing through Monday, which could allow snow to accumulate and stick around longer than usual.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON SCHOOLS NEXT WEEK
School districts across Tennessee make closure decisions based on a combination of road and weather conditions, safety for buses and families, and forecast trends. If significant snow accumulates this weekend and below-freezing temperatures persist, hazardous travel conditions and lingering snow on roads could last into Monday and potentially Tuesday. This increases the likelihood that schools may delay openings, operate on a remote schedule, or be closedentirely early next week. Factors contributing to these decisions include:
- Snow-covered roads and bridges, especially on rural routes where plowing and treatment may be limited.
- Cold temperatures holding snow/ice in place, preventing quick melting and clearance.
- Safety of school bus operations and ability of districts to inspect and prepare facilities.
- Potential power outages if ice forms on lines during the storm — common when cold air and precipitation coincide.
In previous winter storm situations, extended cold and snow after a weekend event have prompted multi-day closures as districts await safer conditions. While forecasts are not yet final, the combination of accumulating snow and prolonged cold increases this risk for the week ahead.
TRAVEL AND SAFETY CONCERNS
Regardless of school decisions, officials are urging Tennesseans to prepare for dangerous travel conditions this weekend if snow develops as expected. Even modest snow totals in Tennessee can lead to slick roads, reduced visibility, and travel delays because of the state’s limited winter maintenance resources compared with northern states.
Residents are advised to:
- Monitor local weather updates throughout the week as forecasts refine.
- Prepare vehicles with winter supplies such as ice scrapers, blankets and emergency kits.
- Plan ahead for possible schedule changes — including school closures — by checking announcements from local school districts late this week and early next week.
FORECAST UNCERTAINTY REMAINS
Forecasters emphasize that forecast details will change between now and the weekend, and snow totals could vary widely across different parts of Tennessee depending on the storm’s exact track and intensity. While accumulating snow and below-freezing temperatures are increasingly likely, the amount of snow and how long hazardous conditions persist will help determine whether school closures extend into the first full week of the semester.
