PARIS, TN – Henry County Emergency Management Director Ron Watkins is urging residents to prepare immediately for a potentially dangerous winter storm arriving later this week. While exact snowfall and ice accumulations are still being finalized, emergency officials have high confidence that the system will create hazardous conditions across the region. The storm is expected to bring a combination of wintry precipitation and subzero wind chills through the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Memphis has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the area which more than likely will be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning on Friday.
Watkins stated, “The combination of ice, snow, and dangerously cold wind chills may pose a significant threat to our community, especially for emergency responders. Residents are urged to prepare now for difficult travel, potential power outages, and life threatening cold.”
Warming Shelter Information
In partnership with Paris Special School District, Paris Police and Henry County Sheriff’s Office, a community warming shelter at Inman School (tornado shelter) will be available for the duration of the event. Cots and blankets will be provided for those in need of a safe and warm place to get out of the cold.
“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our residents during this potentially dangerous weather event,” stated Randy Geiger, Henry County Mayor. “Opening this shelter provides a vital resource for those who may lose power or may not have adequate heating to protect themselves from the cold temperatures expected over the weekend. We appreciate our community partners that make this possible.”
Shelter Information
- Location: Inman School Tornado Shelter, 400 Harrison St, Paris • Opening: Friday afternoon, January 23, 2026
- Duration: Through at least Monday morning, January 26, (Visitors must vacate when schools reopen, either Monday morning or later in the week)
- Restrictions: No pets are allowed at this time. No Food will be provided. Visitors must clean up after themselves.
- Security: Paris Police and Henry County Sheriffs Dept will be providing routine security checks and monitoring video cameras of the shelter.
Public Preparedness and Safety Information
- Travel: Delay travel if possible, this weekend. If you must drive, slow down and leave extra space between vehicles. Accumulating snowfall will stick to roads, and freezing rain could make roadways impassable. Make sure to stock vehicle with jumper cables, extra blankets, snacks and water, and extra cold weather gear.
- Power Outages: Be prepared for power outages, especially in areas that may see ice accumulation. Charge all electronic devices and ensure you have flashlights with extra batteries. Generators should not be used indoors or in enclosed areas of the home. Carbon Monoxide is a dangerous silent killer and exhaust fumes contains carbon monoxide.
- Cold Weather: Sub-freezing temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills (sub zero to single digits) can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Ensure pipes are protected. Allow faucets to drip and keep cabinet doors open to prevent pipes from freezing. Ensure exterior vents are closed and outside hydrants are wrapped or covered with insulation.
- Stay Informed: Continue to monitor the forecast for travel adjustments and the latest information via local news and NWS Memphis social media channels. Emergency Management will also use the smartphone app DRMessenger (code HCA) to distribute any local critical information.