Why winter weather hits Moore County hard
11:09 p.m. Jan. 20, 2026
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
When people in Moore County think about winter weather, snow usually comes to mind first. However, history shows that wind and ice, which can arrive with little warning, are a bigger and more frequent threat to daily life in southern Middle Tennessee than snow.
Moore County is not as prepared for long stretches of winter weather as some other places. Because it sits in a transition zone, quick temperature changes, limited resources, and its rural setting make even small storms feel much bigger.
Nonetheless, the highway department and first responders are already preparing to meet the forecast. Still, wind, ice, and even light snow can bring Moore County to a standstill. From power outages caused by high winds to dangerous ice on rural roads, here’s why winter weather in southern Middle Tennessee is more disruptive than it looks – and how you can prepare before the next system moves in.
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Wind: The Most Common and Most Overlooked Winter Hazard
Many winter cold fronts bring strong straight-line winds to Moore County from November to March. Tornadoes are rare in winter, but wind gusts over 40 to 50 mph are common, especially when fronts move through at night.
The landscape in Moore County makes it especially vulnerable to wind damage:
• Shallow, rocky soil limits root depth, increasing the likelihood that trees will topple when winter rains saturate the ground.
• Aging power lines and long rural spans increase the likelihood of widespread outages.
• Many farms, barns, and older outbuildings were built decades ago and are not designed to handle strong winds for long periods.
Local emergency officials say that power outages lasting several hours or even days after wind storms are some of the most common winter problems in the county, even when there is no snow or ice.
Moore County residents can prepare for wind by:
• Securing tin roofing, farm equipment, and outdoor items before strong fronts arrive
• Having backup heat sources and safe generator plans, especially for rural homes
• Ensuring livestock have windbreaks and access to unfrozen water
Ice: The Most Dangerous Winter Threat in Moore County
Freezing rain and sudden ice are the winter weather events that cause the most damage and disruption in Moore County.
Ice storms are especially dangerous in Moore County because:
• Temperatures often hover just above freezing before dropping rapidly
• Roads that appear wet can become black ice within minutes, especially on hills and bridges
• Many county roads are narrow, shaded, and lightly traveled, delaying detection and treatment
Snow gives some visual warning, but ice does not. Even small amounts of ice in past winters have caused:
• School closures lasting multiple days
• Power outages affecting large sections of the county
• Impassable backroads that delay emergency and utility response
Salt and brine do not work as well when temperatures quickly fall below the mid-20s, which often happens after winter rain in southern Middle Tennessee.
To prepare for ice, Moore County households should:
• Protecting exposed water pipes and knowing how to shut off water if the lines freeze
• Keeping extra food, medications, and drinking water on hand
• Avoiding travel entirely during ice events, especially on rural roads
Snow: Rare, but Very Disruptive When It Arrives at the Wrong Time
Heavy snow is rare in Moore County, but just 1 to 3 inches can disrupt normal activities, depending on when it falls and how cold it is.
The main problem is not how much snow falls, but the county’s infrastructure and the timing of the snow:
• Moore County has limited snow removal equipment compared to larger counties
• Private driveways and gravel roads are often untreated
• Snow that falls overnight or during the morning commute has a much bigger impact
If snow comes after rain or before a quick drop in temperature, it can stick to roads and create icy conditions.
Emergency planners say that how much snow is predicted matters less than how much it could affect daily life. Even a forecast for “light snow” can close schools, stop businesses, and block emergency access if it happens during freezing temperatures and short daylight hours.
Residents should get ready for forecasted snow by:
• Checking heating systems and alternate heat sources
• Ensuring animal feed and supplies are stocked for several days
The Bigger Picture: Why Being Prepared Matters More Than the Forecast
Moore County’s winter weather problems are not about extreme storms, but about how quickly things can change. Fast temperature swings, limited resources, and rural roads mean even small storms can cause big problems.
Emergency management officials often tell residents to worry less about how much snow or ice is predicted and pay more attention to risky times, like overnight, early morning, or when different types of precipitation are expected.
In Moore County, getting ready for winter is not about preparing for blizzards. It means being ready for power outages from wind, sudden ice, and short snow events that can disrupt daily life more than people expect.
