SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — UPDATE (2/14/2022): All original power outages caused by the February 3 ice storm have been restored by Memphis Light, Gas and Water and contracted crews, according to a release.
The utility said newer outages are being addressed Monday evening.
MLGW customers without power should call 901-544-6500 and report the outage.
According to the utility, damage done by Ice Storm Landon interrupted power for more than 233,000 MLGW customers. For comparison, the ice storm of February 1994 interrupted power for 281,000 MLGW customers.
Ninety outside line crews responded to MLGW's request for help and 78 tree trimming crews also assisted in restoration efforts.
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Company officials said Saturday afternoon that crews were finding extensive equipment damage, and that unrelated outages have happened since the storm as well.
“It’s understandable that customers impacted are upset and frustrated,” said MLGW President and CEO J.T. Young in a statement. “This is our community—our neighbors, family and friends—who have been without power for more than a week. We’ve been able to restore 99% of customers who can take power and we will keep working as quickly and safely as possible to get the power back on for everyone.”
To make sure MLGW is aware of an outage, customers are asked to call 544-6500 to report it, even if they’ve reported it before.
If a customer is off due to an “outage within an outage,” meaning a circuit may have been repaired but more localized damage is causing a problem, the utility may not be aware.
Check MLGW's Emergency Response Dashboard HERE to see where crews are working and learn more about overall restoration progress.
They also announced Monday they are suspending service disconnections until further notice.
Click here to learn more about how power restoration works.
Earlier:
MLGW gave an update on the outage situation Friday afternoon. You can watch HERE.
For information about a specific outage or if there is a specific outage and this map is not showing it in that section, MLGW asks you to call its Outage Hotline at 901-544-6500.
MLGW's Community Offices will be closed on Friday, February 4, due to inclement weather. As of Thursday evening, 50 MLGW crews, contract crews and tree trimmers are working to restore power.
MLGW asks that customers delay calling the Call Center with billing and accounting questions. All agents are only fielding emergency calls. Call center hours are also extended.
If you go outside and you see downed power lines, always assume the power lines are live and have electricity flowing. Do not touch them or walk on them.
To report an emergency such as downed wires or gas leaks, please call 901-528-4465. This number should be treated like 911 and only used for these types of emergencies.
Here are some other safety tips from the ABC24 Weather Team:
It only takes about a quarter to a half-inch of ice build-up on lines and trees to cause power outages. Of course, as the ice builds on power lines and trees, things could get scary as both are subject to come crashing down from the weight of the ice.
Charge your phone(s) and all other electronics, boosters overnight
Always keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food in your home.
Keep fresh batteries on hand for weather radios and flashlights.
Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep any electric generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never burn charcoal indoors.
Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio to monitor for changing weather conditions.
Keep alternative heating sources and fire extinguishers on hand. Be sure your family knows how to use them.
Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit.
Make an emergency supplies kit for your pet and include medical records, first aid kit, enough canned/dry food and water for three to seven days and pet travel bag or carrier.
Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time.
Bring pets inside when temperatures drop below freezing
Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
What to do before a power outage
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power.
Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices.
Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
Keep your car’s gas tank full-gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by visiting your state’s or local website so you can locate the closest cooling and warming shelters.
If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power-dependent like a medical device, determine a back-up plan.
Check with ABC24 throughout the weekend for the latest weather updates. Click here for the latest forecast and click here for our radar.
Don't forget to download the ABC24 app on your Apple or Android device for weather updates wherever you are.
Do you have any storm damage in your area? If it's safe, send us your photos and videos by downloading the ABC24 app and clicking the 'Share It' button. You can also text us at 901-321-7520.