High winds and record rainfall from Francine impacts 34,300 customers

High winds and record rainfall from Francine impacts 34,300 customers

September 13, 2024

(September 13, 2024) - The Mid-South was battered by winds up to 57 mph and record rainfall (4.25 inches) on Thursday, causing downed limbs and trees, and widespread storm-related outages.

At the height of the storm, damage caused power interruptions to 34,300 customers. Crews have been working 24/7 to assess damage, make repairs and restore power and have made significant progress. Overnight, outages were down to 5,000. Due to ongoing weather conditions and forecasted conditions this afternoon and through the weekend, outages are expected to fluctuate. At press time, 11,293 customers remain without power.

MLGW President & CEO Doug McGowen stated, "We are prioritizing the largest outages and the customers who have been without service the longest. We are asking everyone for their patience as we take care of the damage that came from the storm and prepare for what is ahead."

Storm facts:
Replacing poles is a major construction job. Each power pole takes a crew an average of 8 hours to repair, and for the safety of our employees and the public, this work can include closing roads and directing traffic, requiring coordination time with law enforcement and others.

Underground outages often take longer to locate and repair than overhead outages.

NOTE: If you don't see crews in your neighborhood, they may be working at the site of disruption to make repairs.

MLGW has more than 50 crews working 24/7 to complete damage assessments and make repairs and restore power to all customers safely and as quickly as possible. Over 130 tree trimming crews are available to clear debris. Working in challenging conditions on complex tasks, crews will continue efforts around-the-clock to restore power to customers, some of whom may experience extended outages.

MLGW prioritizes where crews will be sent to restore power:

1. Hospitals, critical flood control pumps and other facilities with large community impact
2. Public safety hazards (power lines down, poles down)
3. Areas with large numbers of customers out of power
4. Scattered, smaller outages

Safety is a top priority and MLGW provides tips for customers to stay safe.

If the power goes out...

• Check to see if the lights are out in neighboring homes - if so, it's likely a larger outage. Access the MLGW outage map via mlgw.com or the MLGW app.
• Report the outage on the MLGW app or by calling 544-6500.
• Visit https://www.mlgw.com/outagecenter for more tools.

If stormy weather knocks down a power line…

• Stay away and call MLGW at 528-4465.
• Assume the line is "energized" and stay away and warn others to do the same.
• Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from power lines. Tree limbs and other objects can conduct electricity that can shock anyone coming in contact with them.

MLGW urges people to check on family, friends and neighbors who may experience outages.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving the residents of Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee since 1939. MLGW consistently provides customers with rates that are amongst the lowest in the nation and stewards a water supply from artesian wells that is minimally treated. Actively engaged in promoting the prosperity of Memphis and Shelby County, MLGW supports the seven local chambers in its service area and makes doing business with local, minority- and women-owned business a priority. Deeply rooted in the community, its employees generously donate time and money in support of bettering the Greater Memphis area.

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