Public Notice: Winter Storm Recovery and City Service Advisories

Official City Notice: Winter Storm Fern Recovery Efforts

As of Friday, January 30, 2026, the City of Memphis remains under a State of Emergency due to the ongoing impacts of Winter Storm Fern. Local and state officials are coordinating response efforts to address hazardous road conditions, utility disruptions, and public safety needs. Residents are urged to prioritize safety and limit unnecessary travel while crews continue recovery operations.

Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Status

The City of Memphis Solid Waste Division has announced continued disruptions to garbage and recycling services. Following the suspension of all collections on Thursday, January 29, crews are assessing neighborhood road safety to determine when residential routes can safely resume. Residents who were scheduled for pickup this week should leave their carts at the curb. Collections will be completed as weather conditions allow, moving in the order of the original missed dates. Safety remains the top priority for collection personnel and equipment.

Utility Office Closures and Service Updates

All Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) Community Offices will remain closed through Friday, January 30, 2026. While physical locations are closed, customers can continue to manage their accounts via the MLGW website or mobile app. MLGW has suspended service disconnections for non-payment during this extreme weather event. Residents are also reminded that the final installment of the previously approved multi-year rate adjustment took effect earlier this month; customers needing payment assistance are encouraged to contact the utility to explore available budget billing and assistance programs.

Public Health and Emergency Safety Measures

The Shelby County Health Department and local emergency management agencies have activated several public service measures to protect vulnerable populations:

• Warming Centers: Public warming centers remain open across the city for those without adequate heat. Transportation to these centers is available via the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) for those in need.
• EMS Surge Protocol: The Memphis Fire Department continues to operate under EMS Surge Periods. During this time, stable patients may be transported to the nearest appropriate hospital regardless of preference to ensure ambulances remain available for life-threatening emergencies.
• Crisis Cleanup: A storm-related cleanup hotline has been established at 844-965-1386. Residents can call this number to request free assistance with debris removal, such as fallen trees on private property.

Transportation and Roadway Clearing

Public Works crews are operating on a 24-hour rotation to clear snow and ice from primary and secondary roadways. Under the current mitigation plan, crews are focusing on maintaining at least one clear lane in each direction on major thoroughfares. MATA is operating on limited snow routes; riders should expect significant delays and are encouraged to check the official transit app for real-time updates on active lines.