TENNESSEE — A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for much of Tennessee as a significant winter storm is expected to impact the state from Friday night through early Sunday morning, bringing a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain. The National Weather Service notes that ice accumulations — especially south of Interstate 40 — are a key concern with this system and could have lingering effects that ripple into next week’s school schedule.
Ice and Wintry Conditions Forecast
Forecasters say the storm will likely produce heavy snow north of I-40, with areas farther south facing a greater risk of freezing rain and sleet mixed with snow. Where freezing rain occurs, ice can accumulate on roads, bridges, power lines and tree limbs, creating extremely hazardous conditions.
Ice accumulation is especially problematic because even relatively small amounts (around 0.25 inch or more) can make roads slick and dangerous, and ice on trees and utility lines significantly increases the risk of power outages as branches break and lines fail.
Why Ice Could Delay Schools Into Next Week
With the wintry precipitation beginning Saturday and possibly lingering into Sunday, Tennessee school districts are already considering how ice and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures could affect safety into next week:
- Road and Bridge Safety: Ice that forms Saturday and Sunday may not melt quickly if temperatures remain well below freezing into Monday and Tuesday, making buses and student travel unsafe.
- Widespread Hazards: In more typical snow-only events, roads often clear within a day or two with treatment. But ice bonds to surfaces, lingering much longer and requiring more intensive clearing efforts.
- Power Outages: Ice building up on trees and power infrastructure could lead to power disruptions that affect heating and school facilities. Districts often delay reopening when electricity and heating are unreliable.
In recent winter events across the South and Southeast, even a few tenths of an inch of ice has been enough to prompt multi-day closures of schools, offices and public services as roads remained treacherous and crews worked to restore safe conditions.
School District Planning
Tennessee school systems typically decide on closures or remote learning 24–36 hours in advance based on forecasts, road conditions and the potential for power issues. Given the expected mixture of ice, snow and below-freezing temperatures this weekend, many districts are preparing for possible closures through Monday and possibly Tuesday — or longer — if travel and infrastructure remain compromised.
