A Tennessee county mayor issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency due to weather that battered the area.
The proclamation, signed by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris on Aug. 22, unlocks state and federal resources pursuant to state law.
Stormy weather swept through on Aug. 22, carrying winds that exceeded 80 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
"These extreme, severe weather conditions have created dangerous circumstances that have resulted in loss of power, and further, has resulted in damage to homes, businesses, [and] public property," Harris said in the declaration.
The aftermath includes downed trees, damaged homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, as well as compromised public safety.
Up to 148,000 Memphis Light, Gas and Water customers were without power as crews worked to repair the utility infrastructure.
All customers are expected to be restored to power by Aug. 27.
Residents seeking shelter, emergency supplies, or recovery resources are encouraged to contact local emergency management representatives or utilize the cleanup hotline as crews finish restoring power statewide.
The Crisis Clean-up Hotline number is (901) 430-0995 and is created to help residents with cleanup and recovery with the support of the Shelby County Emergency Management & Homeland Security agency and several other volunteer organizations.
Because of the state of emergency declaration, the county is authorized to spend emergency funds, enter into contracts without standard delays, and procure and distribute essential equipment, supplies, and protective materials while emergency management officials can appoint, employ, or deploy rescue teams, emergency management workers, and law enforcement or fire personnel with or without compensation as a way to protect public health and safety.
Earlier this week, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency after large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall pummeled Wyandotte County Aug. 18 through 19.
The National Weather Service documented multiple severe thunderstorm clusters, which led to the Wyandotte County disaster declaration.