Things could look like this by the weekend. | Photo by Maggie Rodee
Chattanooga could get hit with some winter weather this weekend. Right now, forecasts are predicting a mix of snow, freezing rain, sleet, and ice starting as soon as Friday night. Here’s how the city is preparing and how you can, too.
Road safety
Chattanooga Public Works has ~5,000 tons of salt and plans to brine main roads as early as Friday.
TDOT is ready to clear and treat interstates and state routes, with 231,000 tons of salt and 1.3 million gallons of brine on hand.
Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a flashlight, jumper cables, a blanket, food, and water.
At home
You can grab snow shovels, salt, kitty litter (for traction), and ice scrapers at one of Chattanooga’s Elder’s Ace Hardware locations.
Protect your pipes by wrapping them or opening cabinets to let warmer air circulate.
Follow these life-saving tips from the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management about heating sources in your home.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo is listed for sale — again. The historic train station was last purchased in 2021 by a Chicago-based investment firm. That firm has not said why it’s selling the 63,227-sqft property, which houses several popular bars and restaurants. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Featured
Two Chattanooga restaurants earned 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist nods. Niedlov’s Bakery & Cafe is up for Outstanding Bakery, and Calliope’s Khaled AlBanna is a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast. The recognition follows Calliope’s 2025 New York Times top 50 ranking. Final nominees will be announced Tuesday, March 31.
Development
Remember the Bend? The planned mixed-use project on Chattanooga’s Westside broke ground in April 2024, but progress has been slow. This week, developers got a $47.5 million loan from Chicago-based Hilco Global. They say it adds flexibility as planning continues, though no construction timeline has been announced. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Plan Ahead
East Ridge will cut the ribbon on Venue 1921 on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m., and the public is invited. Expect music, snacks, and a chance to check out the city’s newest event space from 2 to 6 p.m. Fun fact: 1921 is the year East Ridge was founded. (The Pulse)
Sports
Chattanooga Football Club has a new favorite craft beer: NoFo Brew Co. The team recently announced a partnership with the brand that’ll bring two limited-edition beers to CFC matches — the Always a Blue IPA and the 423 Lager. Here’s when you can try them.
Legacy
Former State Rep. Tommie Brown of Chattanooga, a civil rights trailblazer and educator, has died at 91. Brown served 20 years in the Tennessee General Assembly and was the lead plaintiff in a landmark voting rights case that reshaped Chattanooga’s city government. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Edu
As a parent, it’s hard to know what moves the needle in college admissions. Empowerly starts with a free 30-minute consultation to honestly assess your student’s college profile — from there, you’ll get matched with a counselor, receive data-backed insights, and construct a plan. Get your free consult.*
The Buy
A great dermaplaning razor for unwanted facial hair. This reusable, plastic-free one comes with 11 refill blades and can remove dead skin cells, peach fuzz, and hair on the upper lip, cheeks, and eyebrows.
Did you catch Tuesday’s story about Chattanooga neighborhoods as zodiac signs? Janet O. noticed East Brainerd wasn’t on the list and wrote in with her pick: Virgo — analytical, hardworking, detail-oriented, and often critical. East Brainerd residents, do you agree? Let us know.
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