MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The City of Memphis said Tuesday that crews dealing with the ice and winter weather in the area, and preparing for more to come Wednesday.
Public Works Director Robert Knecht told ABC24 that bridges and overpasses remain the trouble spots. He said most bridges/overpasses have been treated at least once in the last 24 hours.
Over the next 24 hours, crews will inspect and treat priority areas, which include those bridge and overpasses, along with inclines, declines, and areas around hospitals, fire and police stations.
Public Works is operating 14 to 16 trucks right now, and Knecht called it a "large scale operation." They are prepared to deploy more crews if trees snap and block roads
Knecht said ahead of Wednesday, they will apply brine to as many areas as possible. Salt and sand will be put down in the areas where icing has already happened. Knecht said they can't put brine down in places where it's already iced over.
As crews are out applying this to the streets, drivers are asked to use caution, and give plenty of room – at least 200 feet of space - to the workers.
Public works said Monday it had 7,000 tons of salt and sand available. There are also ten snowplow attachments that cab be attached to equipment, but those will only be used if snow accumulations are predicted to be at least three inches.
- To report a downed trees after-hours call OEM at 901-636-2525
“The City would like to remind citizens to use caution as they travel on the roadways during inclement weather. If you don’t have to drive, then don’t. If you do, we recommend using defensive driving tactics, reducing speed, and increasing the distance between you and other drivers.”
MLGW response
MLGW has resumed regular operating hours. However, residents still experiencing electric outages due to icing on trees and impacts to power lines should call 901-544-6500.
Customers should avoid contact with downed power lines even if their home or area has experienced a loss of power because the lines could still be energized.
Check for outages at https://www.mlgw.com/residential/outagemap.
Important MLGW contact information for customers:
- Sign up for Text Alerts: mlgw.com/textalerts
- Outage Reporting: 901-544-6500
- Emergency: 901-528-4465
- Customer Care Center: 901-544-MLGW (6549)
Warming Center
An emergency warming center has closed at Greenlaw Community Center at 190 Mill Ave.
Openings are available at local shelters for anyone who requires a full-service shelter. Those seeking shelter accommodations are encouraged to seek assistance from the Union Mission (Men’s Shelter), 901-526-8403, The Salvation Army (Women or women and children), or call the 24-hour MIFA hotline at 901-529-4545 or 211.
Garbage Collections
The City of Memphis said collection of garbage and recycle carts may be delayed this week. Customers are asked to put out their carts on their scheduled collection day, and leave them their until the trash is collected.
City and contractor crews will evaluate route conditions daily. If delayed, they said crews will work to restore services as soon as it can be done safely. That may mean delays through Saturday, Feb. 4, even if the weather clears up.
MATA schedule
MATA has returned to normal service operations. For winter weather/holiday schedule information, go to https://www.matatransit.com/.