Efforts continue as thousands left without power

JACKSON, Tenn. — On Tuesday, Governor Bill Lee announced federal help is on the way. This comes just in time as thousands are still without power.

The recent winter storm wreaked havoc across West Tennessee, leaving cold temperatures and slippery slopes in its wake.

Days after the ice and snow swept over the region, hundreds of thousands of people remain without power.

“Slowly and steadily, we’re getting power back into those areas, but it’s just taking a little more time than normal given the conditions we’re dealing with,” said Brad Jones, General Manager of Lexington Electric System.

Jones tells us road conditions are extremely hazardous, further delaying their response restoring power.

“There may be trees or big limbs blocking the roadways, and it’s closing us down getting through that, but if the roads were all cleared, I mean, we can get in and out, you know, a lot better, and it would go a lot faster,” Jones said.

Rural areas were hit hard by the storm, but they’re not equipped to remove thick ice from the roads. Thankfully, help is on the way.

Governor Lee signed Executive Order 111 on Tuesday, granting state transportation crews authority to clear non-state roads.

The measure is designed to accelerate power restoration efforts by enabling local utility crews faster access to affected areas.

In Jackson, TDOT crews are gearing up to provide assistance to communities still unable to travel safely. So far, TDOT has treated, plowed and retreated over 460 thousand miles across the state.

“Regan, Scotts Hill, Saltillo, Bath Springs in particular, that’s where the roughest areas are as far as road conditions,” Jones said.

Jones says limited access makes power restoration challenging. To speed up the process, they have already brought in resources from outside power companies, including Carroll and Benton County Electric.

“Our main feeder lines into the different communities were significantly damaged, and so, that’s where our efforts have to go first is to get the main feeder lines,” Jones said.

While major highways and interstates appear passable, motorists are being cautioned that rural routes remain treacherous and impassable in many areas. Officials warn that refreezing is expected overnight as temperatures plummet, creating hazardous travel conditions well into Thursday morning.

As of noon Wednesday, over 2,700 customers with Lexington Electric System are living without power.

Jones says they are making good progress to restoring power to all.

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