Ice storm slams Nashville, thousands still powerless

Nashville remains blanketed by ice as tens of thousands of residents continue waiting for their electricity to be restored amid freezing temperatures.

Why it matters: The city is a frozen version of its pre-storm self. Downed trees and icy sludge made neighborhoods across the city unrecognizable, with branches and downed power lines crowding roads.

Driving the news: The immediate concern for city officials yesterday was keeping people warm during a dangerous cold snap.

• Hotels around the city saw a surge in bookings as residents sought out warmth — and power outlets.
• Metro created a storm resources page with information on its recovery efforts and locations of warming centers.

City officials were especially worried about homeless people and residents living without heat for extended periods of time.

• Mayor Freddie O'Connell opened up warming shelters across the city and Metro first responders began offering rides to stranded residents.
• To request a ride, call 615-401-1712.

Between the lines: The cold means roads and electrical infrastructure won't thaw out any time soon.

What he's saying: "The weather is going to be frigidly cold, and that is a major concern for me and everyone at the table today," O'Connell, flanked by the city's emergency response team leaders, said during a media briefing yesterday.

By the numbers: At its peak, the ice storm left approximately 232,000 Nashville Electric Service customers without power.

• The Metro Office of Emergency Management reported over 900 calls for downed trees, including 458 calls for trees on power lines.

State of play: NES brought in linemen from outside Nashville, doubling its response team. As of yesterday evening, more than 146,000 customers remained without power.

• NES leadership reiterated the outages will last for several more days.

Zoom in: The culprit causing the outage was nearly 1 inch of ice, which weighed down power lines and toppled trees.

• The Nashville Department of Transportation sent crews into the field to clear trees impacting roads and power lines.

The forecast: Although the temperature will rise to a high of 34 today, lows for the next several days will be about 11 degrees. It will feel significantly colder than that with the wind chill.