MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Rutherford Weather) - Residents of Rutherford County are being urged to prepare for a significant and dangerous winter weather event moving into Middle Tennessee this weekend. In a weather update on Thursday evening, January 22, Bryan Barrett of Rutherford Weather and Alex Sizemore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Nashville, detailed a shift in the forecast that places Murfreesboro and surrounding areas in a precarious "battle zone" of mixed precipitation.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Rutherford County, effective from midnight Friday through 6 p.m. Sunday.

A Shifting Forecast: From Snow to Ice

While earlier projections suggested a heavy snow event, the latest data shows a northward shift in the storm's track. This shift has increased the likelihood of a "wintry mix"—a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain—for Rutherford County.

The storm is expected to begin as light snow Friday night. By Saturday morning and afternoon, warmer air moving in just above the surface will likely cause the snow to transition into sleet and freezing rain. According to Sizemore, the heaviest precipitation is expected Saturday afternoon through Saturday night, which is when accumulations will maximize.

By Sunday, as colder air rushes back in, the mix is expected to transition back to snow before tapering off Sunday night.

Expected Accumulations and Hazards

Rutherford County is currently positioned on a tight gradient between heavy snow to the north and a significant icing threat to the southwest. Forecasters are currently calling for total snow and sleet accumulations between 2 and 8 inches, with the higher amounts expected in the northwest portion of Middle Tennessee and lower amounts to the southeast, in our area.

Of greater concern is the potential for up to a quarter-inch of ice from freezing rain. Governor Bill Lee has already declared a State of Emergency for Tennessee to ensure resources are available. Officials warn that even a quarter-inch of ice is "problematic," as it adds immense weight to power lines and tree limbs, making power outages and "impossible" travel conditions highly likely.

The "Deep Freeze" Follows

The danger does not end when the precipitation stops. Both Barrett and Sizemore emphasized that an Arctic air mass will settle in Sunday night, putting the region in a "deep freeze."

Temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits and teens early next week. Because temperatures will remain well below freezing, any ice or snow on the roads will likely stay frozen, prolonging the impact on commutes and residual travel hazards through early next week.

"If nothing else, travel is going to be very, very difficult," Barrett warned, advising residents to stay weather-aware as the system unfolds.

Stay with Rutherford Weather on WGNS for more details.