THP Assisted Many Tennesseans During Winter Storm Fern
Feb 24 2026, 3:17 pm

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), through the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and Office of Homeland Security (OHS), provided critical assistance during Winter Storm Fern, responding to thousands of calls and conducting welfare checks across the state.

“Our troopers were all hands-on deck from the beginning of the weather event until the end,” said TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long. “The troopers and special agents went above and beyond to help those affected by the severe weather, from welfare checks to clearing blocked roads, working around the clock to ensure Tennesseans were safe.”

Tennessee Highway Patrol statewide response from Jan. 24 to Feb. 5:

• 9,099 total phone calls to THP asking for assistance

• 3,548 motorists requesting assistance

• 1,218 crashes involving property damage

• 278 crashed involving injuries

• 545 abandoned vehicles

• 455 roadway obstructions (mostly caused by trees)

• 16 vehicle fires

• 7 fatalities (the causes of those deaths will be determined by the Tennessee Department of Health)

“Troopers show up every day with one purpose: to serve and protect the people of Tennessee.” said THP Colonel Matt Perry. “During Winter Storm Fern, that purpose was on full display as troopers went door-to-door in some of our hardest hit communities, checking on neighbors and making sure people were safe.”

THP Troopers, OHS Special Agents and other partners conducted 86 welfare checks coordinated through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) 1-800-TBI-FIND hotline. TBI activated this hotline for only the third time in history to coordinate disaster-related family reconnection efforts. The welfare checks included providing transportation to local warming centers if needed.

In addition to conducting 30 welfare checks through the TBI-FIND hotline, OHS Special Agents also responded to requests from local law enforcement and community groups. During the storm, Special Agents also transported essential workers, delivered meals and assisted with debris removal. One OHS Special Agent, Matthew Votaw, who serves Perry and Lewis counties, conducted 102 welfare checks and delivered 110 meals.

“Our Special Agents are a vital part of each community they serve no matter the crisis or the disaster, they stand ready to serve.” said Deputy Commissioner Greg Mays, Tennessee Office of Homeland Security. “When it came to our attention that Winter Storm Fern left our neighbors stranded or in need of essentials, we did not hesitate to respond to their needs.”

The TDOSHS’s statewide response to Winter Storm Fern reflects the department’s commitment to ensuring no family is left wondering about the safety of their loved one during any disaster.

For more information about the TDOSHS, please visit tn.gov/safety.