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Middle Tennesseans were left without power Friday morning when frigid temperatures prompted the Tennessee Value Authority to order rolling blackouts across the area with little warning in attempts to stabilize the regional power grid.

Although the immediate blackouts did their job, tens of thousands remained without power in Nashville on Friday afternoon and there was no promise the blackouts wouldn't be ordered again.

“To be successful, it must happen immediately,” said Jack Baxter, vice president of operations, NES, in an emailed statement. “Every second delay brings us closer to an undesired outcome for everyone in the Valley and beyond."

Over 22,000 people in Nashville were without power as of 6:15 p.m. Friday. The largest group of outages was in the Cane Ridge neighborhood, where an unrelated equipment failure fire impacted 20,000 customers. NES said power had been restored to 8,000 customers in the area.

Metro Council member Delisha Porterfield said on Twitter, NES was trying to have the power restored in the area "in the next few hours."

At the same time, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported a low-level state of emergency, Gov. Bill Lee had not publicly issued a statement or executive order on the activation stage by 2 p.m.

The cold, snowy and icy weather left some stranded as flights were canceled and roadways stayed slick and treacherous.

At a level three, the stage TEMA reported its activation just after noon, the agency can implement statewide emergency operations and public warnings in response to a serious emergency or minor disaster.

Nashville had not declared a state of emergency as of 2 p.m., although Memphis did earlier in the day under similar weather conditions.

An earlier wind chill warning was allowed to expire by the weather service as the day warmed — slightly — but the region remained under special advisory conditions with the cold expected to last into Christmas Day on Sunday.

Grid stabilized for now after rolling blackouts ordered by TVA

Middle Tennessee power providers, including Nashville, were ordered to perform rolling 10- to 15-minute blackouts to stabilize the power grid beginning around 11 a.m. as temperatures hovered at zero degrees.

The effort was successful soon after, but TVA noted disruptions may be ordered again while the region remains in very cold conditions.

Going forward, TVA and local companies asked customers to attempt to minimize their pull on the grid to only essential needs. Even dropping a thermostat by one or two degrees can help, TVA said.

Cold weather and power outage tips:Here's what to do to stay safe and warm during a power outage in winter weather

"We apologize for the disruption that we know these actions may cause, especially during the holidays," TVA said in an emailed release. "They are difficult but necessary steps to prevent to potential of far greater power disruptions to the broader region."

NES customers were told to expect rotating, intermittent power outages in roughly 10-minute increments every 1.5 – 2 hours as the regional power grid struggled with subzero temperatures after Thursday's winter storm.

'We have no choice'

Dickson Electric System General Manager Darrell Gillespie described the power usage situation as “very critical” for the utility’s 36,000 customers in five counties, including Dickson, Hickman, Cheatham, Houston and Montgomery. All outages were restored by about 1:30 p.m. Friday in the service areas, according to Gillespie.

Critical loads, like hospitals and water treatment plants are not included in planned outages, he said.

"We are turning breakers off for customers. Then, in 15 minutes we turn them back on. But before we turn them on, we turn someone else off," Gillespie said.

Gillespie said a possible further complication going forward is the blackout could last longer than anticipated.

"Unfortunately, with weather at 0 and 1 degree, sometimes if you turn that power off, you can't get it to come back on. We are experiencing that right now as well.

"That's a real challenge for us to be able to bring those loads back on. But we have no choice."

Earlier in the day, NES reported precipitation and high winds damage power poles and other equipment and electricity lines across the service area. The National Weather Service reported the temperature at zero degrees at 10 a.m.

In depth:What is wind chill and what makes it dangerous?

Wind chill warning expires; frigid temperatures forecast

Temperatures plummeted overnight turning rain into snow showers across Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Roads were slick and covered in snow in many places, according to the NWS.

A dramatic shift at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday dropped temperatures 10 degrees in about 15 minutes, brought on by fierce winds and the first snow of the winter.

The National Weather Service in Nashville let a wind chill warning for most of the area expire at noon Friday, but advised Tennesseans to stay inside and cover any exposed skin if they had to go out.

"Such cold wind chills could rapidly cause hypothermia, as well as cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes," a NWS statement said.

A wind chill warning is issued when the temperatures dip below minus 15, the NWS told The Tennessean. Although the day had warmed enough to move up from the cut off, the agency warned outdoor temps would still be brutally cold, likely between minus 5 and minus 15 on Friday.

Nashville dropped to minus 1, the first time below zero degrees since Feb. 5, 1996, the NWS tweeted on Friday morning.

Believe it or not, the bone-chilling temperatures won't break the record low for Dec. 23 which was minus 8 degrees, set in 1989.

Wind chill temperatures are expected to remain below zero through Saturday morning, and possibly Sunday, the NWS said. Air temperatures will remain at or below freezing through Monday.

"At this point, I think everyone in Middle TN knows it's cold outside," the NWS quipped.

By 2 p.m. Nashville temperatures rose to a "balmy" 7 degrees, the NWS said, after "bone-chilling cold" wind chills succumbed to the sun. Wind chills continue to be the main concern for forecasters, but the threat was marginally less than the wee hours of Friday morning.

A wind chill advisory is in effect until noon Saturday with wind chills forecast in the minus 10 to minus 15 degree range.

Weather recovery from the storm will be slow. Temperatures will remain below freezing until possibly creeping up above 32 degrees on Monday afternoon.

This long freeze is important for travelers — even treated roads can remain dangerous when the ground stays below freezing, especially as lingering snow melts and refreezes into ice.

Dangerous roads, canceled flights on Friday morning

"Troopers are seeing improving road conditions however, there are still icy spots on some interstates and state routes," The Tennessee Highway Patrol in Nashville tweeted Friday morning.

The Nashville Department of Transportation said Friday morning all primary and secondary roads were treated, but frigid temperatures prevented them from clearing many roads across the city.

Stay off roads if you can, use extreme caution if you must drive. Staff will continue monitoring conditions and crews will be out treating roads throughout the day," NDOT tweeted.

"Don't travel if you don't have to. If you do travel, pack blankets, coats, and gloves in case of an emergency," NWS said.

"Nashville airport reported more than 30 canceled flights as of 9 a.m., with several others delayed due to weather concerns.

The airport urged customers to check with their airlines before heading out.

"BNA works diligently to keep the airfield, gate areas, and airport roadways clear and operational," they said on social media.

Nashville area radar

Nashville weather forecast

Friday: Partly sunny with a high near 10 with wind chill values as low as minus 11. Low around 6.

Saturday: Mostly sunny with a high near 24 and wind chill as low as minus 8. Low around 10.

Christmas Day: Sunny with a high near 28, low around 13.

Monday: Slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy with a high near 34, low around 23.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42, low around 26.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51, low around 41.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Those renting in Nashville are looking to go elsewhere, thanks to the city's rising rent.

46% of Nashville renters are looking to move to places like Knoxville, Clarksville, and Memphis, according to a recent report from search site "Apartment List."

"...and I have a ton of friends that are calling me that are saying hey so I'm thinking about moving to Nashville or Tennessee, what do you think of this?" Nashville resident, Jordan Lubarsky said "And I'm like what are you paying in rent because I'm sure it's cheaper than what we are right now.”

Lubarsky is one of some looking to get out of Nashville, now eyeing Knoxville. She finds Nashville too crowded and overpriced.

"...and I think others feel the same," she adds. "They move here for the party scene and fun music industry and then they get priced out of it and have to search elsewhere that’s still a commutable distance so they can still visit.”

According to "Apartment List," those looking at moving to Nashville are mainly coming from cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Chicago. The study referencing those movers may have a higher budget, causing a rent hike here and pushing out those who live in Music City.

The Founder and CEO of Apartment Insiders, Joel Sanders, says that he started seeing the trend within the last year.

"It's just really the first time we've ever heard that and we've ever seen that 'Hey I would love to live in Nashville – but I can't afford to live in Nashville," he said.

Sanders says a lot of it is due to inflation.

"And so they're feeling it all over and it’s a question of what has to give?" he added.

Sanders suggests finding ways to budget going forward, which may look like getting a roommate, or sacrificing things like location and amenities.

Find the study here.

Get reports like this and all the news of the day in Middle Tennessee delivered to your inbox each morning with the FOX 17 News Daily Newsletter.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's a busy Wednesday at Superica in the Gulch. The "elevated Tex-Mex" menu is popular. But this week, something else is drawing diners.

It's Dine Nashville's "Restaurant Week" — with the spotlight on food. Lots of it. Dozens of restaurants take part, with deals, discounts, and more, from longtime favorites to newcomers.

"Deals and promotions — fun events like this — will make people remember just how good the food scene is here,” says Superica server Suzanne Taylor. "I've had a note of restaurants to try on my phone since I moved here in 2020. And I swear it's not gotten any shorter; if anything it's gotten longer!”

Superica is just one of more than 50 eateries across Nashville taking part in Restaurant Week. In fact, just a short walk around the corner, we found another restaurant taking part with some palate-pleasing plates: Marsh House at Thompson Hotel.

Beverage Director Todd Johnston looks forward to this unique event, to not only celebrate but also to show off.

"I think it's a chance to really celebrate restaurants in Nashville," Johnston told us. "This is an opportunity for each restaurant participating to kind of show what they do best."

At Marsh House, fresh seafood is the specialty. This week, it's fresh gumbo, shrimp toast and a swordfish entree — for $40!

"I think not only new concepts are coming to town but a new caliber of restaurant, which y'know, it's either from fine dining to just elevated and approachable to fast-paced, and yeah. You have options," Johnston said.

Plenty of options... and plenty of great dining deals. If you’re interested, check out our online interactive map – with participating eateries – and their specific specials.

Use the dropdown search bar to look for your favorite restaurant or click around to explore new spots:

Also offered through the end of February: collaborative chef experiences. On February 23, Yolan will team up with Chef Michael Hanna for an evening of Sicilian-inspired cuisine that ends in a dessert created by pastry chef Noelle Marchetti, who this year earned the honor of James Beard Award Semifinalist. Rounding out the month is a 14-course experience by longtime friends Chef Brian Baxter of the Catbird Seat and pitmaster Pat Martin of Martin's Bar-B-Que-Joint.

For years, Nashville has gained a wider reputation of being more than a music destination. With James Beard Award-winning talent, restaurants by Michelin Star chefs, and spicy cuisine created right here in the 615 — Music City has a taste all its own. Through February 26, you can sample the food scene with Dine Nashville Restaurant Week presented by the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.

From fine dining to food stalls at Assembly Food Hall, dozens of local restaurants are offering special daily discounts and prix fixe menus for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Retail deals are also available.

ANTIOCH, Tenn. (WKRN) – On Tuesday, a Metro Council member tweeted that plans for the Global Mall at the Crossings remain “stalled or dead.”

In March 2022, the city bought the land for more than $40 million with negotiations in place to lease part of the space to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“It’s dead, it’s very dead. It’s boring. Nothing like it used to be,” said Rachel Easley, an Antioch resident.

It’s been nearly a year since the City of Nashville purchased the Global Mall at the Crossings, formerly known as the Hickory Hollow Mall.

“It’s really sad because when the mall was here there was a lot to do, but now it’s depressing,” Easley said.

“There hasn’t been a buyer for it for years and years and years, and now the citizens of Davidson County have paid $46 million for what is essentially a dead mall and an eye sore in Antioch,” said Metro Nashville Councilmember At Large Bob Mendes.

Mendes told News 2 he was against purchasing the land, to begin with.

“Some of us in the council objected to the sale because there really wasn’t any deal with Vanderbilt Medical before the purchase, and usually, you want to have a tenant before you buy a mall,” Mendes said.

In March 2022, Mayor John Cooper announced partnering with Vanderbilt University Medical Center to turn the empty space into a development similar to One Hundred Oaks. In November, community members came out to see those designs.

“That mall was $46 million, the football stadium deal was 20 times that big. And before people fall in love with the deal-making from the mayor’s office for the football stadium they need to think hard about the dead mall with no tenant,” Mendes said.

Mendes said now he hopes the over $40 million doesn’t go to waste.

“I was looking forward to all the stuff that was going to come out here but now we are just waiting to see what happens next,” Easley said.

⏩ Read today’s top stories on wkrn.com

News 2 did reach out to the Mayor’s Office about where negotiations stand with Vanderbilt. However, we have not heard back.

The restaurant is near completion at the Berry Farms community, a combo of laid-back barbecue shack and traditional ski lodge in Franklin.

The new Edley’s Bar-B-Que – the first with a drive thru window – should be complete by late April, said owner Will Newman.

Seven miles north, work is underway where another, larger Edley’s should open later this year.

It’s also in Franklin at The Factory.

‘Lots of hints, nudges and downright demands’

Newman and wife Catherine were purposefully patient while keeping an eye on booming Williamson County since opening their first restaurant over a decade ago.

"It was very important to us to kind of make it fit Edley's,” said Newman about the restaurant’s rustic-meets-modern, “seasoned and grit” design and vibe. “It was challenging to find the right locations that fit our brand. We certainly wanted to avoid Cool Springs."

Newman noted in an interview a year ago that his aversion to homogenized, corporate-heavy Cool Springs was strong enough it helped lead to the creation of Edley’s.

The Newmans loved the Moe's Original BBQ chain. But the Moe's corporate folks wanted to be in Cool Springs. So, they started their own barbecue restaurant, the original Edley’s, on 12 South in Nashville.

As the restaurant – which has been voted Nashville’s best barbecue multiple times – expanded into other areas in Middle Tennessee, East Tennessee and Illinois, their Williamson County customers kept getting louder.

"We were getting lots of hints, nudges and downright demands to open in Williamson County,” said Newman, laughing. "We were very, very patient. And, now we are going to open up two."

By the time The Factory location opens, Edley’s will have been operating for 12 years.

Drive thru and catering kitchen

Newman admits that Edley’s team would be on-the-job educated about the drive-thru business.

"We've got a lot to learn,” he said.

As such, the drive-thru operation at the Berry Farms location likely won’t open immediately when the restaurant opens, allowing staff time to train, Newman said.

"We have some good people who are in that (drive-thru) world, helping us and guiding us,” Newman said.

The Factory at Franklin site is unique in that it will provide 1,000 more square feet. The space will allow for a bigger bar and two kitchen lines. One line will be dedicated to the dine-in guests, the other strictly for catering. He described it as the "central hub" for all Edley’s catering in Williamson County.

“I first visited the property 25 years ago with my mother and have loved it since. It is a privilege to be a part of the Factory’s future, and we hope to be deeply rooted here for generations to come,” Newman said.