Memphis, Tenn. The City of Memphis is preparing for an expected multi-day severe weather event. The weather system is expected to bring damaging winds, possibly tornadoes, hail, and heavy rainfall across the region. Our primary goal during any severe weather event is to protect the lives and property of our residents and visitors.
The National Weather Service forecasts unstable and unpredictable conditions that may result in flash flooding, downed trees, and power outages. In response, the City has activated its Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to coordinate department preparedness and response efforts.
Public Works crews are mobilized across the city, with drain maintenance teams inspecting and clearing storm drains and inlets to reduce the risk of street flooding. Special attention is being given to known flood-prone hotspots to help keep roadways passable. Street Maintenance teams are also prepared to quickly respond to reports of downed trees and other hazards blocking roads to ensure emergency services can reach those in need.
Our response teams are hard at work preparing our city for the expected extreme weather. But we also need the community’s help to stay safe and reduce risk.
Here’s how residents can help reduce flooding and stay safe:
- Keep trash bags, yard waste, and bins off the curb and out of gutters to prevent inadvertently cloggeing drains.
- Clear storm drains and gutters near your home to lower your risk of property flooding.
- Avoid driving through standing water or near downed trees and power lines; turn around – don’t drown.
- Report any blocked drains, street flooding, or fallen trees by calling 311 or using the Memphis 311 app.
- If you use generator power, use only in well-ventilated outdoor areas, at least 30ft from homes or structures.
To report issues:
- In case of after-hours emergencies, contact OEM at 901-636-2525
- To report power outages, call MLGW’s Electrical Outage Hotline at 901-544-6500.
- Or for actual, life-threatening emergencies – call 911.
Stay weather-aware and check local alerts regularly. Together, we can weather this storm safely.
