Memphis Public Works Director Robert Knecht said people should stay off the roads because ice accumulation will make it difficult for the city to continue clearing streets Thursday. 

After more than three days of freezing conditions across the Mid-South, MLGW’s concern is shifting from power outages to water issues as mains break and low pressure becomes a predominant issue. 

The Desoto Athletic Club asks Collierville to take over, TVA hit record power demand and it may be too cold for crime.

Memphis saw a 50% decrease in crime between Sunday, Jan. 14, and Tuesday, Jan. 16, from the same point in the week. Criminal incidents were down 62% from the same three-day period in 2023.

Division 7 Judge Bill Anderson said there was about a foot of water at the front of his courtroom.

Dorcas Young Griffin will remain in an interim role as director of the county’s community services division in the move up to deputy chief administrative officer.

Suburban districts and Memphis-Shelby County Schools have made the decision to close schools Thursday, Jan. 18, as more wintry precipitation is expected.

MLGW’s president and CEO said his focus is now on the impacts that extended periods of cold weather can have on the area’s water system. 

The Tennessee Valley Authority supplied more electricity Wednesday morning than at any other point in its history. 

Related stories:

MLGW lifts energy conservation alert

Walls under boil water notice

Area schools, colleges remain closed Thursday

Freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall have forced many local businesses to close this week, but Global Café has been delivering warm, hearty meals to those in need citywide. 

TBI looks into first 2024 jail death, The Lobbyist struggles with crime perception and snow days aren’t for everyone.

“I ask you to check on your family, friends, neighbors, and, of course, any pets. If you know someone that needs assistance, get them assistance,” said Greg Waymon of the city’s Office of Emergency Management. 

From clearing roads to holding court, snow days come with some serious considerations and lots of detail for local government services.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced Tuesday, Jan. 16, plans for a special session of the legislature later this week to finalize a development deal that would create around 2,000 new jobs in the north Mississippi county. 

Related story:

Marshall County poised to be the site of multibillion-dollar EV-battery facility

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation officials are investigating the death of an inmate at 201 Poplar.

MLGW and the TVA are asking customers to voluntarily reduce energy uses immediately to avoid brownouts and blackouts. 

Mid-morning Tuesday, TVA’s demand hit 31,000 megawatts, inching closer to the 2022 record that warranted the need for mandatory rolling blackouts. But as of Tuesday night, MLGW CEO Doug McGowen said no blackouts are planned.

Related stories:

Two weather-related deaths suspected in Shelby County

MLGW, TVA ask customers to conserve energy

Memphis airport is open, weather across nation affecting flights

Schools, colleges remain closed Wednesday

Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown and Lakeland will join Millington and Memphis-Shelby County Schools by closing schools Wednesday.

All University of Memphis campuses are closed Tuesday, Jan. 16.

A multibillion-dollar EV battery plant is coming to Mississippi, Tennessee says no to Fake Drakes and South American sweets are coming to Memphis.

Just under 5% of Shelby County residents speak a language at home that isn’t English or Spanish, according to 2022 Census data. Finding court interpreters for those residents can be difficult when they’re needed.

The guy who was skiing through Downtown Monday? We found him. Here’s his story and more scenes from the coldest MLK Day in Memphis since it became a federal holiday.

The last time MLGW’s power supplier TVA experienced record power demand, Memphis had its first rolling blackouts.

The National Civil Rights Museum had planned a large celebration to honor what would have been King’s 95th birthday, but as the weather forecast became clear, they realized they would have to pivot. 

The Hop-In convenience store at South Highland Street and Poplar Avenue was engulfed in flames Monday, Jan. 15.