Winter Weather — Putnam, Tennessee

2026-01-15 · Putnam, Tennessee

Event narrative

A quick burst of snow resulted in slick roads and poor visibility on Interstate 40 near Cookeville. Near mile marker 285, these poor conditions caused an eleven chain-reaction crash that forced the closure of the Interstate for several hours. Three injuries were reported in the accident. Damages are a rough estimate.

Wider weather episode

Light snow developed over eastern Middle Tennessee during the afternoon of January 15, 2026. While snow accumulations were less than one half inch, a quick burst of snow resulted in slick road conditions near Cookeville in Putnam County. Slick roads and poor visibility resulted in a multi-car crash on Interstate 40.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1300599. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.