Tennessee remained at a Level Three State of Emergency Friday night as people in certain counties had no power during extreme winter temperatures, and officials reported more weather-related fatalities.
In an emailed press release Friday, officials with the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed two more weather-related deaths in Shelby County. TDH officials had previously reported two other weather-related fatalities in the county as well one fatality each in Maury, Williamson, Dickson, and Overton counties, bringing the total number of fatalities this week to eight.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency officials said in an emailed press release that 7,000 people in Bedford, Overton, Putnam and Jackson counties remained without power.
“The Upper Cumberland Electrical Membership Corp. expects power restoration to take several days,” TEMA officials said.
“The state continues [to]support Memphis and Shelby County emergency officials in addressing water pressure and supply issues in the Memphis Light, Gas and Water system,” according to the press release.
“Tennessee Division of Forestry chainsaw crews are assisting Putnam, Overton, and Jackson counties to clear roads for power restoration and transportation.”
TEMA officials also said that, per Memphis Light Gas and Water, areas of downtown Memphis had very low water pressure and the Memphis Airport had to close due to pressure issues.
“The northern, rural sections of Shelby County, and the south and southeast section of Memphis and Germantown, and west of Collierville also report low water pressure and outages. Memphis hospitals are all reporting low water pressure issues, to include St. Jude LeBonheur, along with the Methodist and Baptist hospital systems,” according to TEMA.
“St. Francis Hospital received seven tanker trucks of water last night to replenish their supply from two water main breaks near the hospital. The Tennessee National Guard is sending two tankers today to keep the hospital’s water tanks full. TEMA is coordinating with city and county officials on contingency and supply plans.”
As The Tennessee Star reported Friday, National Weather Service meteorologist John Cohen predicted that Tennessee would return to normal conditions on Sunday.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
