Hazardous Travel and Limited Transit as State of Emergency Extended Through Friday

Winter Storm Impacts and State of Emergency

Memphis commuters are urged to exercise extreme caution today, Friday, January 30, 2026, as Mayor Paul Young has officially extended the State of Emergency for the city. This declaration follows a significant winter storm that continues to impact the Mid-South with dangerous temperatures and lingering ice. A National Weather Service Extreme Cold Watch remains in effect, and authorities are warning that refreezing will create hazardous 'black ice' conditions on major arteries and side streets alike throughout the morning and evening hours.

MATA Service Adjustments

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) has moved to an expanded snow route plan for Friday to maintain essential travel while ensuring driver and passenger safety. Commuters should be aware of the following service changes:

• Limited Routes: Only 13 specific routes are operational today, including Route 1 (Union), Route 2 (Madison), Route 11 (Frayser), Route 36 (Lamar), Route 42 (Crosstown), and Route 50 (Poplar).
• Route Shortages: Route 39 (South Third) is currently terminating early at Shelby Drive due to impassable icy conditions further south.
• Suspended Services: All Trolley lines, Groove On Demand, and Ready! services remain suspended until road conditions significantly improve.
• Operating Hours: Fixed-route bus service is scheduled to operate from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., though delays are expected.

Major Roadway and Interstate Alerts

While TDOT crews are working to clear primary lanes, several areas remain high-risk for motorists. The I-55 corridor is seeing significant disruptions, particularly for those traveling to or from North Mississippi. The I-55 Coldwater bridge has experienced closures recently, and although some lanes have reopened, traffic is moving at a crawl due to ongoing ice removal efforts. Additionally, a scheduled construction project on I-55 Southbound near Mile Marker 3.6 has the left lane and shoulder blocked, further tightening the flow of traffic.

Safety Reminders for Commuters

Public safety officials recommend staying off the roads if travel is not essential. If you must drive, please keep these critical points in mind:

• Power Outages: If you encounter a dark traffic signal, city ordinance requires you to treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
• Emergency Resources: The City of Memphis has mobilized resources to prioritize clearing one lane in each direction on major routes to allow for emergency vehicle access.
• Closures: Memphis Municipal Courts and the City Court Clerk’s office are closed today, January 30, due to the weather.

Stay tuned to local weather updates as the Extreme Cold Watch continues into the weekend, with temperatures expected to drop further by Friday evening.