Cleanup begins after Francine’s severe aftermath

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The clean-up process begins as remnants of Tropical Depression Francine pass through the Memphis area.

City crews are hard at work removing downed trees after Thursday’s storm. According to the WREG weather experts, Memphis saw wind gusts of 57 miles per hour.

Those winds brought down tree limbs and caused power outages leaving thousands in the dark late Thursday night into Friday morning.

In downtown Memphis at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and South Main Street, a tree uprooted by the storm narrowly missed a vehicle.

The city of Memphis says various areas saw damage.

According to a city spokeswoman, there were five reported downed trees blocking roadways with MLGW working to remove two of them. One of those trees was located in the Raliegh area.

The strong winds pulled it from the ground causing major damage. People living in the area say a car lost control and crashed into a tree when it fell.

Its limbs can be seen dangling from a light pole. The only things keeping the pole from landing on a home are the power lines holding it up.

“My biggest concern is that none of the polls don’t fall and lines fall on the house and catch a house on fire,” said Mildrid Spencer, resident.

The tree that once blocked a portion of Hawkins Mill Road has been chopped up and removed. However, some people in this area say they are still without power.

“Sometimes our lights go out and they have lights, and then sometimes all the lights go out,” a resident said.

MLGW says more than 130 tree-trimming crews are available to clear debris. If you see any downed powerlines, you’re encouraged to contact the MLGW emergency hotline at 528-4465.

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