• The Memphis area is expected to experience a significant weather event with potential for “generational flooding,” prompting public officials to urge residents to take precautions.
• The Memphis Police Department may enact its inclement weather policy, typically reserved for winter storms, advising drivers involved in minor accidents to exchange information and file reports later.
• The City of Memphis is asking residents to assist with storm preparations by clearing drains, reporting hazards, and avoiding driving through flooded areas.

With the Mid-South bracing for what has been called a “generational flooding” event, public officials have been asking Memphis-area residents to take weather warnings seriously and prepare for more than 10 inches of rain in some areas.

“(I am) striking a bit of a serious tone here, because you can get accustomed to the warnings that come across the news, and nothing ever happened. We didn’t have any outages. But I want to emphasize the seriousness of the weather that we are facing here,” said Memphis Light, Gas & Water CEO Doug McGowen on Wednesday.

We’ll update this file throughout the day with all the weather information you need to stay safe. Here’s what you need to know today.

Memphis police may institute inclement weather policy, urge caution for drivers

The Memphis Police Department may institute its inclement weather policy, a move they mostly make during extreme winter weather, Public Information Officer Theresa Carlson said during a Wednesday afternoon press conference.

“I know that’s something that we haven’t typically done unless there’s ice and snow on the road, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of storm. I think the term used is ‘generational flooding,'” Carlson said. “If we have to implement that policy, you will see it posted on all of our social media platforms… and we’ll also push that to all of our media partners.”

The inclement weather policy helps lighten the burden on police during severe weather. If you get into a crash with minimal damage and no injuries, MPD recommends you take photos of the damage, exchange information with any other driver involved and then schedule to meet that person at a police station within the next five working days.

Despite the possibility of the inclement weather policy being activated, Carlson said officers and dispatchers will be working around the clock during the storm. If you see downed power lines, downed trees, or flooding, Carlson said to call 311 or the Office of Emergency Management instead of 911 for those issues.

Officers will be patrolling throughout the storm — looking for flooding and downed trees or power lines — to ensure that any undriveable roads are properly closed down.

Drivers, Carlson said, should be cautious of areas that appear flooded.

“Stay off the roadways during the worst of the storm, but if you have to be out, just take it slow,” she said. “If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights should be on as well.”

She also urged caution when approaching water on the roadways.

“Remember, it only takes six inches of water to stall a car, so if you see standing water, turn around. Don’t drown. Don’t stall out your car. Just find an alternative route,” Carlson added.

City asks residents to help with storm preparation

The City of Memphis, in a Wednesday afternoon press release, asked residents to help prepare the city for what it called an “unpredictable multi-day weather event.”

“Our response teams are hard at work preparing our city for the expected extreme weather,” the city said in a press release. “But we also need the community’s help to stay safe and reduce risk.”

To help, the city said residents can do the following:

• Keep trash bags, yard waste and bins off the curb and out of gutters to prevent inadvertently clogging drains;
• Clear storm drains and gutters near your home to lower your risk of property flooding;
• Avoid driving through standing water or near downed trees and power lines;
• Report any blocked drains, street flooding or fallen trees by calling 311 or using the Memphis 311 app;
• If you use generator power, use only in well-ventilated outdoor areas that are at least 30 feet from homes or structures;
• In case of after-hours emergencies, call the Office of Emergency Management at (901) 544-6500; and
• Report power outages by calling Memphis Light, Gas & Water’s outage hotline at (901) 544-6500.

According to the city, public works crews are working around the city. Drain maintenance teams are inspecting and clearing storm drains and inlets to reduce street flooding, the city said.

“Special attention is being given to known flood-prone hotspots to help keep roadways passable,” the press release said. “Street maintenance teams are also prepared to quickly respond to reports of downed trees and other hazards blocking roads to ensure emergency services can reach those in need.”

Army Corps of Engineers addresses flooding concerns

The Memphis District Army Corps of Engineers said Wednesday afternoon it had begun preparations to address the expected heavy rainfall forecasted for the areas over the Mississippi River.

In a press release, the Memphis District Army Corps of Engineers said it had already begun the “Phase 1 floodfight activities” within the St. Francis River Basin. The Corps anticipated activating Phase 1 floodfight activities along the Mississippi River as well.

“During Phase I floodfight activities, (United States Army Corps of Engineers) personnel deploy to the affected areas and monitor all federal flood control works including levees, flood walls and pumping stations,” the agency said in a press release. “They will also continue to monitor rainfall amounts in the affected areas, and National Weather Service forecasts to determine if further action is warranted. USACE will deploy additional personnel and resources as required to help ensure the safety of life and property.”

Other material assistance, like portable pumps, plastic sheeting to cover levees and sandbags, could be provided with “close coordination” of state and local authorities.

Phase II floodfight activities include United States Army Corps of Engineers personnel “intensively monitor government flood risk reduction works.” The United States Army Corps of Engineers personnel also provide technical and material assistance to local communities.

“While the flood control structures in Rives, Tennessee, are not owned or managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Memphis District is ready to assist consistent with existing congressional authorizations and appropriations. At the Mayor’s request, the Memphis District is providing the City of Rives with two 16-inch pumps,” the agency said.