Memphis residents faced floods and power cuts as thunderstorms hammered the Mid-South area Friday evening. Action News 5 reported that the Tennessee Department of Transportation responded to flooding on Interstate 240 at Norris Road, where lanes in both directions were submerged.
The downpour did not just disrupt traffic; it also led to widespread power outages. According to Action News 5, 5,715 Memphis Light, Gas, and Water customers were without electricity as of 8:55 p.m. due to 68 separate outages. The utility company aimed to restore power diligently, stating, "We are aware of recent outages and will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power."
Travelers on I-240 experienced significant delays, with vehicles navigating slowly through flooded lanes, as captured by TDOT Smartway cameras. WREG noted that the congestion stretched from South Parkway to the I-55 junction, but the Memphis Police Department informed that traffic would not be diverted. Drivers were advised to remain cautious during these wet conditions.
Though the evening storms caused immediate chaos, respite seemed forthcoming. A weather front was expected to calm further into the night as temperatures dropped, with additional rainfall anticipated for Saturday. Individuals affected by the power outage could report their situation online or by calling MLGW at (901) 544-6500, and those noticing downed trees in public rights-of-way were directed to call Public Works crews at 901-636-2525.
