📸 Your Winter Storm Fern photographs

🌨️ Nashville’s Response to Winter Storm Fern

On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re giving you the latest Winter Storm Fern updates as a freezing and frustrating week draws to a close. Plus, we’re debunking rumors and analyzing our city’s response to the disaster thus far. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏠 Winter Storm Fern Resources

At yesterday’s press conference, city officials announced that Margaret Allen Middle School will now serve as an overflow warming shelter. Officials also confirmed there have been four winter storm-related deaths in Davidson County. Our hearts go out to their friends and families. [Metro Nashville Network]

• Hundreds of people have found warmth at Nashville’s warming shelters, but there’s plenty of room for more. [Nashville.gov]
• United Way and the Community Foundation have set up a winter storm recovery fund. Call 211 for assistance, and consider donating or volunteering if you’re able. [United Way Greater Nashville]
• Log your needs in Nashville VOAD’s tracker, and as resources become available, they will reach out directly. [Nashville Responds]
• We continue to update our list of food, shelter, and other resources in the Nashville area. [📰 Hey Nashville]

💸 Gov. Lee Requests FEMA Assistance

Gov. Bill Lee has requested an expedited major disaster declaration for 23 Tennessee counties, including Davidson County. If Pres. Trump accepts his request, federal aid would be available to help with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. [🔐 The Tennessean]

• Here’s a list of Nashville hotels offering discounts. [Nashville Music City]
• As of 4 p.m. Thursday, there were more than 85,000 outages in Nashville. [NES]
• City officials say outages will likely last through the weekend, or longer. [Nashville Scene]
• Power outages might cause sewer issues in Belle Meade. [Nashville Banner]

💬 Pre-Budget Public Comment Period

Metro Nashville has several opportunities in February where residents can let their voices be heard on issues, from WeGo lunch-and-learns to traffic calming meetings. On Feb. 3, let councilmembers know your thoughts on where to allocate Metro funding at Metro Council’s pre-budget public comment period. [📰 Hey Nashville]