Winter Storm — Sullivan, Tennessee

2026-01-24 to 2026-01-26 · Sullivan, Tennessee

Event narrative

Two bouts of wintry weather occurred in Sullivan, with snow and sleet transitioned to a long duration freezing rain event before transitioning to rain and then ending with light snow. Ice accumulations of 0.25 to 0.35 inches of ice were observed, with an isolated report of a half inch of ice. Additionally, a half inch of snow and sleet were observed, the Tri-Cities Airport measured 0.6 inches of snow and sleet.

Wider weather episode

Broad scale upper lift led to a complex winter storm across East Tennessee, with onset precipitation of snow transitioning to freezing rain before ending as rain as the temperatures rose through the evening, night, and following morning. This storm led to 7 fatalities in East Tennessee. On the morning of the 25th the strengthening low level jet that was advancing warm air northwards led to a high end mountain wave wind event in portions of the East Tennessee mountains.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1315044. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.