RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - AAA is urging homeowners across Rutherford County to keep a close eye on their roofs this week as another bitter cold snap settles in. And while the temperatures are familiar, the naming of these winter storms still feels strange to many longtime Middle Tennesseans. Folks who grew up here don’t remember our cold spells arriving with titles like “Winter Storm Fern” or “Arctic Blast Gianna,” and it raises a fair question: have our winters changed, or are we simply being swept into a national trend that used to belong to the northern states?

Meteorologists say named winter storms aren’t entirely new, but they were mostly associated with the Great Lakes and the Northeast—regions used to deep snowpack and long stretches of subfreezing weather. Tennessee has always lived in that in‑between zone, where a winter day might start with sleet and end with sunshine. But recent years have brought sharper temperature swings and more frequent cold snaps, the kind that behave a little more like the storms that routinely hit the northern tundra. Whether it’s a shift in climate patterns or just a run of unusually strong winters, the Volunteer State is showing up on the winter‑storm map in ways it didn’t before.

That shift matters for homeowners. AAA says the combination of daytime thawing and overnight refreezing creates perfect conditions for ice dams—ridges of ice that form along the roofline and trap melting snow behind them. With nowhere to go, that water can seep under shingles and into ceilings, walls, and insulation. Local roofers in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne say they’ve already taken calls about mysterious leaks, sagging gutters, and icicles forming in odd places.

AAA recommends clearing gutters, improving attic insulation, and using a roof rake to gently remove snow from the first few feet of the roof. They warn against climbing onto icy roofs or trying to chip away frozen sections, which can cause more damage. If water starts dripping indoors, move valuables, contain the leak, and call a professional quickly—especially with temperatures expected to stay low through the weekend.

Named storms or not, AAA says one thing is certain: winter in Middle Tennessee is acting a little different these days, and a bit of preparation now can save homeowners a costly headache later.