TVA Better Prepared, But Blackouts Still Possible During Winter Storm

Issue #650

January 22, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Sunny & clouds mixed, high of 43, low of 18 👉 Stay tuned to Weather Down in Mule Town for your local weather updates!

📰 TVA Better Prepared, But Blackouts Still Possible During Winter Storm

📰 Gov. Lee Issues State of Emergency Ahead of Major Winter Storm

📰 Columbia Prepares for the Storm

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

TVA Better Prepared, But Blackouts Still Possible During Winter Storm

The incoming winter storm is expected to increase energy demand across Middle Tennessee, potentially putting added strain on the region’s power grid as temperatures drop below freezing.

The Tennessee Valley Authority says it is better prepared than in past years, pointing to extensive equipment maintenance and the addition of roughly 2,000 megawatts of capacity over the last two years. Many of those upgrades were made in response to the December 2022 winter storm, which led to rolling blackouts across parts of the TVA system.

While officials say significant investments have been made to strengthen vulnerable equipment and improve reliability, they acknowledge that severe weather can still create unpredictable challenges. With snow and ice expected, the risk of power outages remains a concern for residents, particularly those who rely on electricity for remote work, online classes, and essential devices.

Energy demand is expected to rise sharply as temperatures remain below freezing into next week. TVA may issue a voluntary power conservation request if needed to help maintain grid stability during peak usage periods.

Gov. Lee Issues State of Emergency Ahead of Major Winter Storm

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a State of Emergency for all 95 counties and encouraged Tennesseans to prepare for the possibility of a major winter storm this weekend that could bring snow, ice, freezing rain, and prolonged freezing temperatures across the state.

Executive Order 110 may be accessed here.

National Weather Service forecasts show a significant winter storm moving through the state as early as Friday evening, with increased confidence for accumulating snow and freezing rain causing moderate to major impacts. As of this release, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for all Tennessee counties from Friday evening (January 23) through Sunday (January 25). Dangerously cold temperatures are expected to last until midweek.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) continues to work with local, regional, and state partners to support readiness actions and any requests for resources. For more information on this weather system, Tennesseans are encouraged to visit TEMA’s January 2026 Winter Weather webpage, which will be updated regularly with the latest forecasts, anticipated impacts, and safety guidance.

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) teams are currently pretreating roadways and have replenished salt supplies in all 95 counties. When winter weather hits Tennessee, TDOT ice and snow removal teams focus first on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes, specifically targeting areas vulnerable to freezing, such as hills, curves, ramps, bridges, and interchanges. During prolonged weather events, crews may have to clear roadways repeatedly. Tennesseans should use caution and stay off the road unless travel is essential, and give TDOT crews and first responders room to work safely.

Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) troopers and dispatchers will be working around the clock during the winter storm, answering calls from stranded motorists and local partners, and clearing abandoned vehicles from interstates.

Tennessee National Guard (TNNG) is preparing vehicles and resources to support emergency response, transport patients to hospitals, and assist stranded motorists. Guardsmen and women are also readying emergency shelters and debris clearing equipment, staging resources strategically across the state.

Columbia Prepares For the Storm

Columbia Wal Mart, Photo: Halle Sweeney

As Columbia prepares for what looks to be a significant storm for the region, stores are definitely running low on certain items. Here are a few helpful things you should know from the community.

Need Straw For Your Animals?

From Maury County Animal Services’ post: Russell Rescue, our generous supporter has purchased straw for anyone who has outdoor structures for animals to help keep them warm and safe during this inclement weather 

If you have an outdoor shelter and need straw, please stop by Parks Motors and pick some up. Let’s work together to make sure no animal has to face the cold without protection. Thank you to our partners and our community for always stepping up when it matters most! 

EXTENDED PANTRY HOURS: The Well Outreach will be open at both our Spring Hill and Mt Pleasant food pantries from 9:30-3pm (one extra hour) to help families in need on Friday, Jan. 23rd.

Spring Hill: 5306 Main Street
Mt Pleasant: 700 N Main Street

If you need a warm place… The Family Center will most likely be opening their warming center. Check this link for up to date information. 

Stay tuned! We’ll keep our eyes out for any other things you should know about!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, January 23rd

Saturday, January 24th

Sunday, January 25th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, January 23rd
Scotty Freel - Grinder’s Switch, 7–9 PM
Christian Chapman - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Mika Lynch - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Pretty Grimm - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill (Spring Hill), 8–11 PM

Saturday, January 24th
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Winter Series - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Austin Gray - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Twilight Train - Neil Diamond Tribute - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
TBA - The Boondox, 8 PM
Vintage Voltage - Gary’s Place (Spring Hill), 8–11 PM
MFT - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill (Spring Hill), 8–11 PM

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