Power Outage Shakes Up East Memphis: Squirrel Takes the Blame!
Memphis, Tennessee – Friday morning started like any other for thousands of residents in East Memphis, but it quickly turned into an unexpected adventure when over 10,000 customers suddenly found themselves in the dark. That’s right, a fuzzy little critter had an unusual role to play in the morning’s chaos, causing a power outage that would interrupt daily routines for many.
What Happened?
As the sun rose and people were going about their morning routines, power went out just before many were ready to start their day. Residents reported a power surge moments before the lights flickered and vanished, leaving homes and businesses alike in a bit of a frenzy. Most folks assumed it was just a typical glitch, but soon it became clear that this was a little more than just a minor inconvenience.
Itโs a Squirrelโs World
The culprit? A feisty squirrel. Yes, you heard that right! According to Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLGW), an adventurous squirrel decided to venture into one of their substations and ended up causing quite the ruckus by knocking out a circuit breaker. Who would have thought that a furry creature could hold so much powerโliterally!
Fast Action by Crews
Fortunately for all the residents, MLGW crews were on it in no time. In a matter of just 10 minutes, crews managed to restore power to a whopping 95% of affected customers. Thatโs a serious quick turnaround! Itโs a good reminder of the hard work and dedication these utility crews show during unexpected situations. Their speedy response made it possible for most people to get back to their morning plans swiftly.
Traffic Control Needed
While the lights flickered back on, the incident also led to a brief stop in traffic. With power out in several areas, the Memphis police department was called in to assist with traffic control. This ensured that everyone could navigate those intersections safely while they waited for power to be restored. Itโs just another testament to how quickly everything can turn around when a little mischief happens!
Community Response
The response from the community was as lively as you’d expect from a city known for its music and culture. Some residents humorously took to social media, sharing their own experiences of being suddenly thrown into darkness, with many laughing about the unlikely villain being a squirrel. Memphians are known for keeping a lighthearted spirit, and this incident was no exception. It seemed everyone could relate to a squirrel’s escapade taking them out of their comfort zone!
Lessons Learned
In the end, itโs a day to remember for East Memphis residents as they learned that even the smallest creatures can make a big impact. Whether you were sipping your morning coffee, scrambling to get ready for work, or just enjoying a peaceful morning, this little interruption was a shared experience that ultimately brightened the day with some unexpected laughter.
Final Thoughts
As always, remember that these things happen, and itโs crucial to always be prepared for the unexpected. While nobody likes to see their morning routine disrupted, itโs reassuring knowing that crews are ready to jump into action whenever something goes awry. So the next time you see a squirrel, just remember, they might just be a little more powerful than they seem!
Stay safe and enjoy all the quirks that life in Memphis has to throw at you!
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.
