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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Doug McGowen with MLGW and Robert Knecht with Memphis Public Works hosted a press conference Friday afternoon as extreme cold temperatures and snow are set to barrel into the Memphis area this weekend.

A Winter Storm Watch went in effect Friday afternoon. By Saturday night, temperatures will drop down into the teens — and possibly below zero Tuesday night — and will stay very low through Thursday.

Check the latest forecasts from WREG Weather

But unlike some recent winters that saw extreme temperature drops in a short amount of time, this will be a slow-moving cool-down, McGowen said. There also is not an ice storm predicted.

“This is not a time to panic, it’s a time to prepare,” McGowen said. “There is plenty of time to get ready for the cold weather.”

McGowen said burst pipes in the case of a freeze could lead to a drop in water pressure, but residents can help.

  • Starting this weekend, open the cabinet doors under your sink, begin dripping your faucets, make sure outside spigots are covered, and make sure you know how to turn off your water if you need to.
  • It’s a good idea to fill up some water bottles for cooking and drinking in case there is a water shortage situation. You also might fill your bathtub to make sure you have water to flush toilets and other uses.

Around Tuesday, MLGW may have to issue an Energy Conservation alert, a voluntary to request for residents to turn off lights, space heaters and other electrical appliances to conserve electricity.

Demand for electricity gets very high when it gets very cold, because the most common source of heat in the Mid-South is electrical.

Taking action quickly to conserve electricity can avoid worse consequences later, helping prevent rolling blackouts like in some previous years, McGowen said.

Call 901-528-4465 for burst pipes.

Robert Knecht with Public Works said the city will apply salt brine on bridges, overpasses and major roads ahead of the snow. A fleet of salt trucks is ready to respond.

If you can avoid driving, please do.

The city’s warming centers will open early Friday night. Hospitality Hub downtown will open at 7 p.m. on Friday, at 7 p.m. Saturday, and then stay open continuously until Thursday.

Single women and families will stay at the Hospitality Hub (590 Washington Ave.) and single men and couples will stay at the Dave Wells Community Center (915 Chelsea Ave.).

MATA is offering free rides to those in need. Call 901-297-1680 and MATA will pick you up from your location.

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