News Summary
Severe thunderstorms swept through West Memphis, leading to widespread power outages and the cancellation of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Approximately 200 customers were left without power due to a downed power pole. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for continued thunderstorms, potential flooding, and tornado watches across the region. Tennessee’s Governor has declared a state of emergency, and emergency alerts have been issued, advising residents to avoid travel during severe weather conditions.
West Memphis, Arkansas – Severe thunderstorms swept through West Memphis and the surrounding areas on Friday, causing widespread power outages and leading to the cancellation of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Approximately 200 customers in the region were without power Friday afternoon, as reported by West Memphis Utilities. A downed power pole was identified as a primary cause of the outages, prompting utility crews from Jonesboro to assist local teams in restoring electricity. Power is expected to be fully restored by the end of the day.
Residents can expect continued unsettled weather, with thunderstorms predicted to linger into the morning hours and a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. The high temperature today is projected to be around 85ยฐF, with winds coming from the WSW at 10 to 15 mph. The National Weather Service has issued a 100% chance of rain throughout the day, with nighttime lows expected to settle around 72ยฐF and winds shifting to the SW at 5 to 10 mph.
The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, which was highly anticipated, has been officially canceled due to severe weather conditions. Festival organizers deemed the safety of attendees as paramount amidst the ongoing thunderstorm threats. Additionally, the storm system prompted tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings for the broader Memphis area, predicting destructive winds and hail. Emergency alerts regarding flash flooding have also been issued, advising residents to avoid travel unless evacuating from flood-prone zones.
In West Memphis, the stormโs impact extended beyond power outages. Tennessee Emergency Management officials have raised alarm over ongoing severe threats posed by heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Some areas are forecasted to receive up to 15 inches of rain, raising concerns of flash floods and further infrastructural strain. Earlier in the week, power outages had already plagued the region, with nearly 1,000 customers reported without power on Tuesday morning, a reduction from over 6,201 outages earlier that day.
The areas predominantly affected by the Tuesday storms included regions south of Crump Boulevard, north of Norris Road, along Mallory Avenue, and near Interstate 240 and Winchester Road. Entergy, the electric utility company for DeSoto County, also reported additional outages in their service area. Alongside the response to power outages, MLGW is investigating reports of a mysterious gas smell in Collierville, as alerted by Collierville Fire & Rescue.
As the severe weather continues, a series of fatalities and extensive property damage has been reported across the Mid-South region. In response to the impending threats, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has declared a state of emergency. Additionally, President Trump has approved an emergency declaration to aid with disaster relief efforts, allowing for the coordination of resources to impacted areas.
Residents are encouraged to report any power outages or concerns through utility service lines or dedicated applications. The National Weather Service has also issued safety recommendations regarding possible power outages and flood hazards, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and caution during these severe weather events.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather in the United States
- Local Memphis
- Google Search: West Memphis power outages
- Action News 5
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Tennessee
- Commercial Appeal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding in Memphis
- WREG
- Google News: Flooding West Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
