Utility: 150,000 storm-related power outages in Memphis area
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Public utility officials say nearly 150,000 customers in the Memphis area remain without power following severe storms.
Thunderstorms swept through portions of Tennessee Saturday night and early Sunday morning. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Memphis Light, Gas & Water President Jerry Collins said at a news conference Sunday that a total of 188,000 customers lost power and it will take more than a week to restore service.
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland urged residents to be patient as crews clear downed trees and restore traffic lights to at least 20 street intersections.
In eastern Tennessee, nearly 9,000 Knoxville Utilities Board customers were without electricity, down from about 49,000 outages on Saturday night. The utility says some customers may not see power restored until after the holiday weekend.