Full Breakdown
Memphis Prepares for Severe Winter Storm
1/24/2026, 4:59:05 AM
State of Emergency Declared
Memphis Mayor Paul Young has declared a State of Emergency effective Friday, January 23, 2026, as the city braces for a significant winter storm. This declaration enables the city to mobilize emergency resources and implement its winter weather readiness plan, coordinated across various departments to ensure public safety. The storm is expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with precipitation anticipated to begin Friday night and continue through Sunday afternoon.
Anticipated Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service has issued ice storm and winter storm warnings for the Memphis area, predicting ice accumulation between 0.25 to 0.5 inches, with the potential for more than half an inch in some areas. Such ice accumulation poses a considerable risk to power lines and could lead to widespread power outages. Doug McGowen, President and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), emphasized that even a quarter-inch of ice can cause significant damage, stating, “We are on the cusp of more than half an inch of ice. Should the front move slightly northward, we could accumulate more than half an inch, and that’s when you should expect widespread power outages.”
Preparations and Resources
In preparation for the storm, the city has stockpiled over 2,000 tons of road salt and has 16 trucks ready for deployment. Memphis Public Works Division Director Scott Morgan noted that roads have been pretreated to mitigate icy conditions. Additionally, MLGW has positioned 50 crews for overhead power-line repairs, anticipating the need for rapid response due to potential outages.
Mayor Young urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, warning that driving on ice can lead to accidents that may disrupt critical infrastructure. He stated, “Entire neighborhoods could lose power or water, and one car crash can create outages that last well beyond the storm itself.”
Community Support and Safety Measures
The city has activated community centers and shelters for residents in need. Officials have also advised residents to prepare their homes by assembling emergency kits with food, medication, and water sufficient for three days. The Memphis Police Department has implemented a winter weather policy to assist motorists involved in accidents without injuries, encouraging them to exchange information and report to the nearest precinct.
Criticism and Concerns
While preparations are underway, some residents have expressed concerns regarding the adequacy of the city's response, recalling the severe ice storm of 1994 that caused extensive damage and prolonged outages. McGowen acknowledged the lessons learned from past storms, stating that improvements have been made in forecasting and preparedness.
Conclusion
As Memphis faces the impending winter storm, officials continue to monitor conditions and provide updates to the community. The city’s proactive measures aim to mitigate the impact of the storm and ensure the safety of its residents during this challenging weather event.
