Official Notice: Winter Storm Emergency Updates and Virtual Council Meeting Schedule

State of Emergency and Winter Weather Advisory

Mayor Paul Young has declared a State of Emergency for the City of Memphis, effective through Tuesday, January 27, 2026, due to the persistent impact of Winter Storm Fern. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel as Public Works crews continue snow and ice mitigation efforts on primary and secondary roadways. Extremely low temperatures are expected to persist, increasing the risk of black ice and hazardous driving conditions. Several warming centers remain open across the city for those in need of temporary shelter from the cold.

City Council Meeting Moved to Virtual Format

Due to safety concerns and the current State of Emergency, the Memphis City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, will be conducted entirely via electronic means. There will be no physical meeting at City Hall. The revised schedule is as follows:

• Committee Meetings: Shorter sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will include a briefing on the city’s emergency response to the winter storm.
• Regular Meeting: The full Council session will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Citizens may access the meeting live via the City of Memphis official website streaming portal or listen to the proceedings on 88.5 FM (WQOX). Public comments for agenda items may be submitted electronically following the instructions provided on the Council’s website.

Public Service and School Closures

In response to the inclement weather, the following service adjustments are in effect for Tuesday, January 27:

• Schools: Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) campuses and administrative offices will remain closed. This closure extends to suburban districts including Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, and Lakeland. All after-school activities and athletic events are canceled.
• Transit: The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) has suspended regular fixed-route and trolley services. However, MATAPlus will provide limited paratransit service for medical and dialysis patients only, beginning at 5:00 a.m., provided road conditions allow for safe passage.
• Solid Waste: Garbage and recycling collections are suspended until further notice. Residents are asked to secure their bins to prevent them from becoming hazards during high winds.

Utilities and Infrastructure Alert

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) reports that while the threat of widespread power outages has diminished, the utility is now monitoring the system for water main breaks caused by fluctuating temperatures. Residents should report any significant water pressure drops or visible street leaks immediately. Additionally, the Public Works department continues to treat 330 miles of designated routes with brine solution and salt.