Official Notice: Winter Storm Fern Recovery and Public Meeting Schedule

City of Memphis Public Notice: Winter Storm Fern Recovery and Essential Services

As of Thursday, January 29, 2026, the City of Memphis remains under a state of emergency declared by Mayor Paul Young and Governor Bill Lee. Following the significant impact of Winter Storm Fern, which brought a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the Mid-South, residents are advised of the following official notices, health advisories, and service adjustments currently in effect.

Education and School Closures

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has officially announced that all campuses and district offices will remain closed today, Thursday, January 29, and tomorrow, Friday, January 30. This marks a full week of weather-related closures. City officials have noted that while main thoroughfares are being treated, many neighborhood streets and secondary roads remain covered in immovable ice blocks, making bus transportation unsafe. All after-school activities, athletic events, and weekend programs are also cancelled.

Travel and Roadway Advisories

The Memphis Public Works Department continues to monitor roadway conditions. While temperatures are forecast to briefly rise above freezing today, significant refreezing is expected tonight. The following traffic notices are active:

• Interstate Diversions: The Mississippi Department of Safety is currently diverting traffic from Northbound Interstate 55 and Westbound Interstate 22 at the Tennessee state line due to ongoing ice removal efforts. One lane of Northbound I-55 is scheduled to reopen at 8:00 a.m. this morning.
• Emergency Travel Only: Residents are strongly urged to stay off the roads to allow utility crews and emergency responders to maintain critical infrastructure.

Public Meetings and Government Services

Despite the state of emergency, certain essential city functions and legal services have adjusted their operations:

• Landmarks Commission: The Landmarks Commission is scheduled to hold its regular meeting today, January 29, at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in the City Council Chambers at 125 North Main Street.
• Social Security Administration: The Social Security Hearing Office in Downtown Memphis (Zip 38103) is providing services by telephone only today. No in-person services or hearings will be conducted at the physical office location.
• Warming Centers: The city's primary 24-hour warming center remains open at First Baptist Church (200 East Parkway North). For residents needing emergency transportation to the center, please call 901-486-0939.

Utility and Health Updates

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) advises that customers may temporarily stop dripping faucets as the immediate threat of deep-freeze pipe bursts has subsided for the afternoon. However, residents should remain vigilant as power restoration efforts continue in surrounding areas. Additionally, following a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruling, the Shelby County Health Department has been advised that temporary methane turbines at the xAI facility in South Memphis must now comply with federal air permit requirements to ensure community air quality standards are met.