(Feb. 5, 2008-10 p.m.) Severe weather moving through the Memphis metropolitan area and Shelby County in the early evening hours has caused scattered power outages across the area. Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division is working around the clock to repair damage and restore electric service throughout the county. MLGW is also working to repair some water and gas equipment damage.

Hardest hit is the area around Hickory Hill due to direct storm and possible tornado damage. Power lines and utility poles are down, and crews are working to repair major damage. Approximately 20,000 MLGW customers are currently without power due to scattered outages across the county.

MLGW reports that four water pumping stations have been affected, and the utility is working to restore those stations, using electric generators when necessary. Storm damage to buildings has also caused some gas leaks in industrial areas in the southeast part of Shelby County.

TVA reported damage to two transmission towers near Moose Road in northeast Shelby County. Trees and power lines are down in some areas. Customers are asked to keep a safe distance from dangerous or arcing electric lines.

MLGW will continue to assess the damage, and work to restore service to its customers. Out of town crews have been called in to assist MLGW's restoration efforts. Customers are asked to call 544-6500 to report power outages. To report downed power lines, customers should call 528-4465.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County. A 2007 survey of large metropolitan areas showed that MLGW has the sixth lowest combined rates in the nation.