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Columbia Crews Prepare as Winter Storm Fern Approaches Middle Tennessee

Issue #651

January 23, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

❄️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Snow, high of 35, low of 21 👉 Stay tuned to Weather Down in Mule Town for your local weather updates!

📰 Columbia Crews Prepare as Winter Storm Fern Approaches Middle Tennessee

🌡️ Warming Station Information

👉 Closures, Schedule Changes & Helpful Info

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Columbia Crews Prepare as Winter Storm Fern Approaches Middle Tennessee

Columbia first responders and city departments have been preparing for Winter Storm Fern as it moves into Middle Tennessee this weekend, with officials emphasizing that crews, equipment, and resources are in place ahead of potentially dangerous conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch forecasting the possibility of more than six inches of snow and over half an inch of ice. The storm is expected to begin Friday evening and last through Sunday afternoon, with conditions likely deteriorating quickly.

Columbia Fire & Rescue has inspected equipment, checked tire chains on emergency vehicles, and ensured small engines like chainsaws are ready if needed. Fire stations will remain fully staffed throughout the storm, and residents are being urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Non-emergency assistance requests can be directed to the department’s administrative line.

Public Works crews have already begun pre-treating roads using salt and brine, with a focus on major routes, emergency corridors, and primary streets before moving into residential areas. Crews are prepared to operate around the clock, and residents are asked not to park on roadways so plows and trucks can work efficiently.

Columbia Power & Water Services has inspected facilities, coordinated with Maury County EMA and TVA, and is preparing for the increased risk of outages that often comes with ice accumulation. While outages are difficult to predict, CPWS says it is ready to respond to power, broadband, or water-related issues. Customers are encouraged to conserve electricity by setting thermostats at 68 degrees or lower when possible.

Residents are also advised to protect plumbing by insulating pipes and outdoor spigots, opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate, and taking additional precautions in older homes. Water tanks are being topped off to maintain pressure and availability throughout the storm.

Warming Station Information

From Maury County Office of Emergency Management’s post…

We are in coordination with multiple other agencies and organizations throughout the County and Municipalities and will disseminate additional information as it is received. 

The Family Center
921 Beckett Street
Columbia, TN 38401
Friday-Monday
24 hour shelter, accepts CRATED pets
(931-388-3840)

West 7th Church of Christ
405 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Open from 7 PM to 7 AM
Friday-Monday

First United Methodist
222 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Open from 7 AM to 7 PM
Friday-Monday

Closures, Schedule Changes & Helpful Info

School Cancelations

From Maury County Public School’s post: All Maury County Public Schools after-school activities, trips, athletic events, and Boys & Girls Clubs that meet at Maury County Public Schools are canceled from January 23 through January 26. This cancellation also applies to all organizations that utilize Maury County Public Schools' facilities for practices, games, extracurricular activities, events, or other meetings.

We are actively monitoring weather conditions and forecasts. Any changes or additional updates will be communicated promptly. Thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe.

Maury County Solid Waste Schedule is changed for Saturday

From Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt’s post: Due to upcoming inclement weather, our convenience centers in Theta and Shouse (Santa Fe) will be closed Saturday 1/24. Our other 7 locations will be opening in the morning and closing as conditions dictate. Stay safe out there!

I have included a link to our County Website for the Solid Waste Department in case you have other questions concerning our day to day operations.

Did you know that if you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can send texts via satellite when cell towers are down and there’s no Wi-Fi or cell signal? 

Weather Down in Muletown shared this helpful post on how to use satellite mode on your iphone.

Along with Weather Down in Muletown… Ryan Hall is a helpful person to follow on YouTube during extreme weather like this. He says that this is the largest winter storm he’s ever seen in his life - stretching from New Mexico to Maine! 

Upcoming Local Events

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

Saturday, January 24th

Double Check these links for possible cancelations 😉

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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