As of 5:46 p.m. Thursday, more than 19,000 customers are without power in the Memphis area, according to Memphis Light, Gas and Water. 

Tommy May, an employee for MLGW in the contract services department, says the company’s recent infrastructure and tree trimming projects will significantly reduce the number of power outages, compared to other severe storms in recent years.

Still, 25 crew units have been dispatched to restore power outages and repair potential damage caused by remnants of Hurricane Francine. 

Heavy rain, gusty winds expected in Memphis due to Hurricane Francine

“We are in better shape now than we’ve been in years,” May said. “However, you have trees that are 70 to 80 feet tall. We cut 10 to 15 feet away from the pole line. If an 80-foot tree falls towards the (power) line, there’s nothing you can really do about that.” 

The storm that has left hundreds of thousands in Louisiana without power is expected to bring wind gusts up to 40 to 45 miles per hour and rainfall up to 6 inches to the Mid-South.

A wind advisory is in effect for Memphis until 10 p.m. and could be upgraded to a high-wind advisory.

FedEx said weather was creating service disruptions for incoming and outgoing shipments. 

Power outages will be at the mercy of wind damage. NWS National Weather Service-Memphis meteorologist Desiree Meadows said winds will be most severe in the afternoon but will continue throughout the day, possibly into the evening. 

Rainfall will continue into Friday creating concern for flooding in flood-prone areas. 

Through 10 p.m. Thursday, the Mid-South is also under a flood watch. There could be higher localized amounts of rainfall. And the National Weather Service says urban areas will be at a particular risk of flooding.

The high winds are expected to subside and move out entirely by Saturday resulting in cooler temperatures next week with highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid-60s. 

Tree-related outages cut down nearly 80%, MLGW says

May said there are ways to stay prepared for power outages such as having a qualified professional hook up a generator and keeping candles handy. 

“If a generator doesn’t work, get yourself a couple of coolers, put some ice in there to save your food,” May said. “Start by turning off your gas. If you see a power line down, do not touch it. Call MLGW and let somebody qualified roll it up.”

The Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency also shared safety tips.

They include checking to ensure storm drains are clear of debris and avoiding walking, swimming and driving through floodwaters. The agency also emphasized having a back-up plan to receive weather alerts if WiFi or satellite connection fails, such as a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio. 

May said power renewal can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the damage caused at the scene. Pole outages that fall on property lines generally take eight to 10 hours to restore. 

Those experiencing outages can report them via the MLGW app or MLGW’s hotline at 901-544-6500.