Knoxville Braces for Ice Storm: Snow Totals Plummet

Winter Storm Fern is now forecast to impact Knoxville with a significant ice accumulation rather than heavy snow, a notable shift from earlier predictions. The storm, expected to arrive on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and continue through Sunday, January 25, 2026, has prompted an ice storm warning for several East Tennessee counties, including Anderson, Hamilton, and Knox. Governor Bill Lee has declared a state of emergency for all 95 Tennessee counties in anticipation of the severe weather.

While initial forecasts suggested substantial snowfall, current predictions indicate a maximum of only 1 inch of snow for the Knoxville region, though meteorologists express low confidence in exact snow totals. The primary concern has shifted to ice accumulation, which poses risks of dangerous driving conditions, particularly from black ice, and potential power outages due to ice weighing down tree branches and power lines.

The National Weather Service anticipates the wintry mix to begin around 7 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, with heavy precipitation occurring throughout the day. The transition to rain is expected by Sunday afternoon, January 25. Despite the seemingly small amounts of ice predicted, the potential for significant disruption remains high.