Knoxville, Tennessee, January 22, 2026

Knoxville is under a Winter Storm Watch as significant snowfall and ice are expected from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Local officials are urging residents to prepare for hazardous conditions, including potential power outages and challenging travel conditions. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is actively pre-treating roads while community engagement and preparedness are highlighted as essential to navigating the storm’s impact effectively.

Winter Storm Watch for Knoxville: Preparing for Severe Weather

Knoxville, Tennessee – A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Knoxville and surrounding areas, with significant snowfall and ice accumulation expected to impact the region starting Friday evening, January 23, 2026, through Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2026. With hazardous conditions on the horizon, local officials encourage residents to stay vigilant and prepared while showcasing the community’s resilience in facing challenging weather.

As East Tennessee gears up for this impending winter storm, the proactive measures being taken by local authorities demonstrate the effectiveness of community leadership in mitigating the effects of such weather events. Streamlined coordination and collaboration are crucial in ensuring safety and accessibility; this moment provides an opportunity to reflect on how reduced bureaucracy and community initiatives can foster preparedness and responsiveness in our neighborhoods.

Forecasted Conditions

According to the National Weather Service, East Tennessee could experience:

• Snowfall: Accumulations of 4 to 10 inches, with higher amounts possible in areas north of Knoxville, particularly near the Kentucky border and in far western Virginia.
• Ice Accumulation: Up to one-half inch of ice, mainly south of Knoxville, including portions of the southern Cumberland Plateau.

These conditions are expected to begin late Friday night and continue through Sunday evening, with the heaviest precipitation likely on Saturday, January 24. A sustained period of below-freezing temperatures will exacerbate hazardous road conditions and increase the potential for power outages.

Impact and Preparedness

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is proactively preparing for the winter weather by pre-treating road surfaces with salt brine. This year-round preparation emphasizes the importance of local infrastructure resilience. TDOT’s Region 1, which covers the majority of East Tennessee, receives salt shipments continuously to stay ready for winter conditions. Workers will apply salt before, during, and after the snowfall to maintain safe roadways. Residents are strongly advised to exercise caution, as roadways may become slippery, and black ice can form even when snow is not immediately visible.

Weather Patterns and Context

The winter storm affecting East Tennessee is part of a larger weather pattern impacting much of the eastern United States. Meteorologists attribute this event to a combination of warm Arctic waters, heavy snow in Siberia, and low sea ice levels in the Barents and Kara seas, which ultimately leads to a stretched polar vortex. As a result, frigid temperatures, heavy snow, and dangerous ice may extend from New Mexico to New England and beyond. Approximately 230 million people across the eastern U.S. are expected to experience temperatures below 20°F (-7°C), highlighting the widespread impact of this storm.

Local and Regional Preparedness Measures

As we face potential power outages and challenging travel conditions, community engagement is more critical than ever. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring local weather updates and adhering to guidance from public authorities. Additionally, preparing for anticipated power outages by having emergency supplies— including flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food — is recommended. If travel becomes necessary, it is vital to equip vehicles with winter emergency kits and exercise extreme caution on icy roads.

Conclusion

As Knoxville braces for this winter storm, the combination of proactive government measures and individual preparedness can help the community navigate these challenges effectively. The upcoming weather event serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement, responsiveness, and the benefits of limited bureaucracy in ensuring safety during such times. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged, support local initiatives, and prepare for the storm to foster a resilient Memphis community.