Extension of State Emergency
In response to the continuing low water pressures and boil water advisory resulting from the winter weather and low temperatures on January 14-21, Memphis Mayor Paul Young extended the city-wide State Emergency declaration on January 22, 2024. (Original signed 1/15/2024)
DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY BY MAYOR PAUL YOUNG, CITY OF MEMPHIS Extension of State Emergency
WHEREAS, the City of Memphis (“City”) experienced severe winter weather during the period
beginning January 14, 2024 through January 21, 2024, resulting in freezing temperatures and
several inches of snow and ice accumulation. The freezing temperatures and precipitation created
icy conditions on roadways and surfaces within the City and presented a significant danger to
public safety, impacted the operation of emergency vehicles, and impeded the delivery of essential
goods and services, the effects of which are still ongoing; and
WHEREAS, on January 18, 2024, Memphis Light, Gas & Water (“MLGW”) issued a
Precautionary Boiled Water Advisory (“Partial Advisory”) for approximately 15% of the City’s
residents; and
WHEREAS, on January 19, 2024, MLGW expanded the Partial Advisory by issuing a
Precautionary Boiled Water Advisory for all MLGW Water customers (“Advisory”). The
Advisory stated that multiple line breaks and freezing temperatures during the severe winter
weather caused low water pressure in MLGW’s water system, which could allow harmful bacteria
to affect water quality. The Advisory stated that MLGW customers should boil water prior to
activities that could result in human consumption, such as tooth brushing, drinking, and cooking.
The Advisory is still in effect; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the City take all necessary measures to minimize the effects and
impact of the severe winter weather; and
WHEREAS, in the judgement of the undersigned, an emergency currently exists within the City
of Memphis as defined in Title 58 of the Tennessee Code Annotated; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 58-2-110(3)(A)(v), the duration of a state
of emergency declared locally is limited to seven (7) days and may be extended, as necessary, in
seven-day increments; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the severe winter weather and its impact on the City, a local emergency
continues to exist in the City pursuant to state and local law; therefore, it is appropriate and
necessary for the undersigned to exercise the authority granted by Tennessee Code Annotated §§
58-2-110 and 58-8-104, City of Memphis Code Title 2, Chapter 58 and all other applicable law;
and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL YOUNG, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF MEMPHIS, by virtue
of the power vested in me by Title 58 of the Tennessee Code Annotated, hereby declare a state of
emergency exists as it relates to the severe winter weather impacting the City of Memphis
(“Emergency”). Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 58-2-110(3)(A)(v), the Declaration of
State of Emergency originally issued on January 15, 2024 is hereby extended for seven (7) days
and I hereby continue to invoke the authority granted by Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 58-2-110
and 58-8-104, Memphis City Charter Home Rule Amendments No. 3231 and 1852, Memphis City
Code § 2-58-7 and all other applicable law for the duration of the Emergency. In addition, I further
declare and order the following:
Upon signature, this Order shall become effective on January 22, 2024