Severe Thunderstorm Leaves 50,000 Without Power in Memphis
A severe thunderstorm with winds up to 80 mph struck Memphis over the weekend, leaving approximately 50,000 households and businesses without power. The storm was described as one of the most damaging in the history of Memphis Light, Gas and…
Nashville, TN, August 24, 2026 —
Memphis experienced significant power outages over the weekend following a severe thunderstorm that brought winds as high as 80 mph. The storm, which has been characterized as one of the most damaging in the history of Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), left an estimated 50,000 households and businesses without electricity.
MLGW is currently engaged in extensive restoration efforts. The utility company anticipates that power will be restored to the majority of affected customers by Thursday evening. The extent of the damage has required a substantial deployment of resources to address the widespread outages.
In response to the ongoing power disruptions and high temperatures, several community centers have been opened across the city. These centers are providing a crucial resource for residents needing a place to cool down and access essential services while their power is being restored.
The severity of the storm’s impact on the power grid underscores the significant infrastructure challenges posed by extreme weather events. Further details on the specific damages and the timeline for full restoration beyond Thursday evening were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by Alexis Marshall on wpln.org, see more information here.
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