Power outages stretch into a second day for some in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Thousands of Memphis residents are still in the dark after yesterday’s storm. Hurricane Francine’s remnants left a trail of power outages across the Mid-South.

Friday afternoon, about 3.400 customers were still without power, and trying to find ways to cope.

When it comes to power outages, the hardest-hit areas Friday included Harbor Town and North Memphis, with 2,703 customers affected, and East Holmes Road to East Raines Road, with 1,356 customers in the dark.

But amid the outages, in Bartlett, police have found a creative solution to the traffic light outages – a tiny portable traffic light in the middle of the street. It’s a small but effective fix to keep drivers safe until power is restored.

MLGW President & CEO Doug McGowen said in a statement, “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.”

Comeback Coffee in the Pinch District has become an emergency workspace of sorts for those seeking internet and power.

“It awesome that we were able to open our doors up to the community to make sure that we are a space that folks can come to when they don’t have electricity or if there’s damage at their place,” said owner Hayes McPherson.

McPherson says he’s happy to provide a welcoming space for those dealing with storm-related issues. He says customers have been talking about the problems they had at home due to the storm.

MLGW says If stormy weather knocks down a power line near you, stay away and call MLGW at 528-4465.

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