The National Weather Service projects that Murfreesboro, Tennessee, may receive up to 15 inches of snow this weekend as a cold front moves through Middle Tennessee.

There will be below-freezing air moving into the area, followed by precipitation, creating ideal conditions for inclement weather.

“[Murfreesboro is] on that fine line where it could fall as sleet, it could fall as snow, or it could fall as freezing rain,” Paige Barr, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said. “We are still working on the forecast to fine-tune what’s going to fall, but it will very likely be some form of frozen precipitation.”

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee will announce any school closures, delays or remote class requirements as early as possible, according to MTSU’s inclement weather policy. The MTSU Instructional Continuity Plan explains what happens in the event of a transition to remote classes.

Michelle Safewright, MTSU’s executive housing director, recommended that students be cautious when walking on campus and look out for ice. Students who do not want to leave their dorms should stock up on food and supplies before the inclement weather comes.

McCallie Dining Hall will be open through the weekend, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“The hours might be a little abbreviated, but McCallie Dining Hall does not close,” Rachel Hunter Bruce, the marketing manager of MTSU Dining, said. “If there are students on this campus, McCallie Dining Hall will be open.”

Students can visit the dining website, social media or the MTSU mobile app to stay up to date with dining hours and availability. 

Signs of exposure and resources for cold weather across Murfreesboro

For the unhoused or vulnerable, winter is a dangerous time of year. Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.

Symptoms of cold exposure include shivering, weakness, numbness, waxy or discolored skin and lack of consciousness, according to the Red Cross.

To avoid hypothermia and frostbite, the Red Cross recommends avoiding going outside for long periods of time, and, if one has to be in cold temperatures, wear layers and take breaks to warm up. Drinking warm water and other warm liquids helps with staying warm. 

When symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite appear, get out of the cold immediately.

For anyone with exposure concerns, Coldest Nights, partnered with the city of Murfreesboro, offers housing.

When the weather is projected to be under 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the program opens its doors. The program offers dinner at First Baptist Church at 200 East Main St., starting at 7 p.m. 

For overnight stays, the program offers four locations:

• Women: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 116 N Academy St., Murfreesboro, TN
• Men: First Baptist Church at 200 E Main St., Murfreesboro, TN
• Families with children: Salvation Army at 1137 W Main St., Murfreesboro, TN
• Women with children: Safe Haven at 720 Old Salem Rd., Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro Cold Patrol and The Journey Home post updates on their Facebook to keep the community updated on when they are open.

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