Key Points
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Nearly 6,000 customers lost power in Nashville as outages spread statewide.
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Utility crews are working extended shifts to restore service safely.
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Officials warn residents to avoid unsafe heating methods during freezing weather.
A winter storm has left thousands of residents without electricity across Tennessee, with the largest number of outages reported in the Nashville and East Tennessee regions early Sunday morning.
Nashville Electric Service reported nearly 6,000 outages as crews worked overnight to respond to weather related damage. Utility officials said fewer than 50 outages were recorded the previous night before conditions worsened.
The company confirmed that more than 200 line crews and dozens of bucket trucks were placed on continuous rotation. Crews are operating extended shifts through the weekend to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.
East Tennessee communities also reported significant disruptions. Several local utility providers recorded hundreds to thousands of customers without service as freezing rain and snow affected power lines and equipment.
Emergency management officials urged residents to take precautions if their electricity goes out during cold temperatures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency advised against using gas stoves, grills or generators indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Residents were encouraged to conserve heat, avoid travel unless necessary and check on vulnerable neighbors until service is restored. Utility providers said outage totals may change as weather conditions continue to impact the region.
Forecasters warned that lingering cold temperatures could slow restoration efforts in some areas, making safety and preparedness critical for affected communities.
