(Memphis) – Saturday’s storms were a disruption to many people across the Mid-South. They knocked down trees and power lines. It forced some events to cancel and turned others into a mud-fest.
A toppled tree blocking Collierville-Arlington Rd. was just one of the ways Saturday afternoon’s storm frustrated the lives of people in the Mid-South.
It blocked traffic and took down a utility line, cutting power to the area.
“I came out on the front porch and it was like something came through just for like 15-20 seconds,” said Cliff Vaughn about the storm that brought down one of his trees.
His house was one of the 230 homes left without power for more than five hours, as crews worked to get it back up and running.
A Shelby County Sheriff’s deputy directed traffic away from the blocked road, as clean-up crews made their way in.
The traffic wasn’t the only thing that stopped though. The storm forced Memphis Botanic Garden organizers to reschedule the concert where Tony Bennett was expected to perform.
“It’s disappointing,” said Kara Gallo. “We know that in Memphis in June and May there is going to be rough weather, so why cancel it for the celebrations. We all like to celebrate.”
Those at Italian Fest trekking around in boots were unphased by the storms that rolled through earlier in the day.
“The mud doesn’t bother me because I’ve been to Beale Street and everything in Memphis, I feel everything in May and June involves Mud,” said Kelsey Beno, who went barefoot in the mud.
She was glad the severe weather held off the rest of the day, allowing her to enjoy the festival, even if that means she would have to get another pedicure.
“I got one last night,” she said, as she laughed, “So, I hope (the mud) doesn‘t mess it up.”
The Tony Bennett concert will be held tomorrow night at the Botanic Garden.
Doors open at 5:00p and the concert starts at 7:00p.
