FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Headline: City of Millington Response to High Windstorm Event
June 28, 2023
12:00 PM Update
On June 25, 2023, a severe thunderstorm passed through the Millington area with winds estimated at 80 – 90 MPH. This storm and associated high winds caused extensive damage and widespread power outages. Millington officials have been working non-stop since the storm to assess the damage, provide assistance where needed, and begin the clean-up and restoration efforts. We are in daily conversations with all city departments, Millington Municipal Schools, Memphis Light Gas & Water, Shelby County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
The City of Millington will be releasing regular updates and information on the City of Millington Municipal Government Facebook page and the city website at www.millingtontn.gov Citizens may call City Hall between 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM at 901-873-5701 or Millington Fire Administration between 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 901-873-5800 for specific questions or concerns. All requests for emergency assistance should dial 9-1-1.
Weather Update
Excessive Heat Warning in effect Thursday and Friday. Very hot temperatures and increased humidity are expected to produce heat index values between 110 to 115 degrees Thursday and Friday.
Emergency Declaration
Millington Mayor Terry Jones has declared a local state of emergency for Millington after severe thunderstorms moved across the city with wind gusts reaching estimated speeds of 80-90 miles per hour. The extreme weather conditions caused extensive damage throughout the city to homes, businesses, and public property, as well as a loss of power to over 120,000 MLG&W customers.
Flag City Fireworks Celebration
Due to the storm and widespread damage the Flag City Fireworks Celebration scheduled for June 29th has been CANCELED and will not be rescheduled for this year.
City Parks
All city parks are closed for clean-up and to remove debris. There are several large trees down and damage to playground equipment.
Utilities
(June 27, 2023, 5 p.m.) – MLGW and contract crews have safely restored power to 74,000 of the 120,000+ customers who lost power after Sunday night’s storms. As the restoration effort continues, work will slow as crews tackle more complex and smaller outages. One of the challenges of this storm is the number of trees and poles that were knocked down. Full restoration to all customers who can accept power is expected to take multiple days.
MLGW has 90 electric repair crews and 10 more will be joining the effort tomorrow to repair damage. In addition, there are 40 troubleshooter crews, 79 tree cutting crews and 50 damage assessment crews. MLGW water system and pressures have returned to normal operation.
Millington Water & Sewer Service
Millington water and sewer service have not been affected by the storm
Sanitation
No interruption to trash pick-up. Routes are being ran on their scheduled days.
Daytime Cooling Center
The City of Millington, in conjunction with the Shelby County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency and the American Red Cross Mid-South Chapter will open a Day Center. The Day Center will provide a location for citizens without utilities to cool down and recharge electronic devices. Hours of operation for the Day Center will be daily 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Baker Community Center
7942 Church Street
Millington, TN 38053
Electronic Charging Station
AT&T is providing a charging station for electronic devices at Baker Community Center
Debris Removal
Numerous roads remain impassable or restricted due to downed trees. In order to begin an expeditious clearing of debris from roadways and other public right of ways, Millington officials have secured additional resources to assist Millington Public Works personnel. The additional personnel and equipment are expected to begin work on Thursday, June 29th.
Team Rubicon has been vetted by the City of Millington as a reputable service for residents who need assistance in removing trees and limbs from their property. If you need assistance in removing damaged trees, please visit a Team Rubicon representative at the South Gym 4885 Bill Knight Ave. Team Rubicon is comprised of veteran-led volunteers and there is no charge to the property owner for their services.
Debris Removal Guidelines
- Place debris at the edge of the curb or your property line
- Do not place debris in the roadway.
- Do not cover fire hydrants, water meter boxes, utility poles, parked vehicles or mailboxes.
- Do not put household trash or anything else except trees and limbs in your debris pile.
- Crews will rotate through the city for debris pick-up 7 days per week.
Millington Municipal Schools
3rd Grade retention testing will continue as scheduled on Thursday & Friday at Millington Primary School.
Contact:
Gary Graves
Public Safety Director
g.graves@millingtontn.gov
4836 Navy Rd.
Millington, TN 38053
901-873-5800 (o)