TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jan 30, 2026

Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday requested that President Donald Trump grant an expedited major disaster declaration for 23 Tennessee counties following impacts from Winter Storm Fern. The request seeks Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public and individual assistance to support response and recovery efforts statewide. According to a news release, the expedited request covers counties where damage is already evident and expected to exceed federal assistance thresholds, allowing resources to reach Tennesseans more quickly. Damage assessments are ongoing and will determine whether additional counties qualify. The request includes Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Maury, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson counties.