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Today, I declared a State of Emergency for the City of Memphis, which provides our staff with greater flexibility to address the uncertain circumstances we may face as the expected severe winter weather moves into Memphis this weekend. Many families are already feeling its impact, from empty grocery store shelves to cold temperatures affecting daily comfort at home. Forecasts suggest this storm could approach the severity of the 1994 winter storm that brought our region to a standstill. That possibility deserves our full attention and preparation.
This system is expected to bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with ice accumulation posing the greatest risk. Ice accumulation on roads, trees, and power lines can make travel unsafe, bring down limbs and wires, and lead to power outages that may last several days. These conditions are serious, and planning ahead matters.
Our city teams have been preparing since midweek. Crews have applied approximately 25,000 gallons of brine across about 330 miles of priority routes to help reduce risk. Even so, ice accumulation cannot be plowed, and once roads are coated, driving becomes extremely dangerous.
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I ask everyone to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Crashes during ice events don’t just put drivers at risk, they can damage power poles, substations, and water infrastructure, making recovery take longer for everyone. If you must travel, please check the roadway treatment map at memphistn.gov/snow-ice before heading out.
Memphis Light, Gas, and Water is preparing for the possibility of widespread outages caused by ice accumulation on trees and power lines. Crews and additional resources are in place and will work as quickly and safely as conditions allow. Even with these preparations, residents should be ready for the possibility of being without power for several days. Water service disruptions are also possible, and it’s wise to prepare accordingly.
There are steps you can take now to protect your home and everyone in it. Let faucets drip, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach pipes, and use space heaters safely. Never use stoves or ovens to heat your home. Bring pets inside and make sure they have a warm, safe place during the storm. Households should also plan to have at least three days of food on hand and one gallon of water per person per day.
Please take time to check on neighbors who may need extra help, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and those living alone. Preparedness is personal, but resilience is shared.
 click image above for winter weather press conference.
For real-time updates, winter weather preparedness information, and details on temporary shelters, visit our city social pages or memphistn.gov/winterweather.
We don’t know exactly how this storm will unfold. What we do know is that preparation, caution, and care for one another will help Memphis weather it together.
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Office of Creative and Cultural Economy. Applications are now open for the Memphis Poet Laureate, a two-year opportunity for an accomplished local poet to serve as a public voice for our city. The position includes a $20,000 honorarium and the chance to design a community-focused literary initiative that uplifts our city’s creative spirit. Learn more, share, or apply here.
Single Family Home Rehab Application Now Open. The Community Redevelopment Agency is accepting applications for its home rehabs in the Binghamton and Uptown Neighborhoods. This program has rehabilitated over 300 homes since its inception in 2018. Learn more and apply here.
Be safe and prepared, Memphis!

Winter weather is on the way, and City of Memphis teams are preparing to keep our community safe and informed. From road treatments and traffic safety to warming centers, utilities, and city services, we’re working around the clock to respond to snow and extreme cold.
Swipe through to see how we’re preparing—and how you can stay safe. For real-time updates and resources, visit memphistn.gov/winterweather.
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