MLEC, Mutual Aid Crews Push Forward on Day Three of Ice Storm Fern

Crews focus on main line repairs as 13,000 outages still remain

(9 a.m. Update January 27, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis crews are continuing restoration efforts today across the five-county service area as damage from Ice Storm Fern remains widespread. As of this morning, 13,000 are still without power, though that number may fluctuate as restoration continues and additional damage is found.

Crews are prioritizing repairs to main lines that serve communities before moving deeper into affected areas. Today’s work is focused on main lines leading into the following locations:

Hickman County: Coble, Morgan’s Creek, Gray’s Bend, Highway 50 East, Williamsport and Leatherwood, Pinewood, Hidden Valley

Lewis County: New Kimmins, Twin Oaks, Waynesboro Highway, Summertown Highway, Drake Lane, Buffalo Road, Oak Grove, Linden Highway, Darbytown, Piney Creek

Perry County: Pineview, Flatwoods, Cedar Creek, Highway 412 West, Only

Current outage estimates by county include approximately 4,000 members in Hickman County, 3,900 in Lewis County, 5,000 in Perry County, and around 100 in Humphreys County. Houston County operations have returned to normal.

Due to the extent of system-wide damage caused by ice accumulation and falling trees, members should prepare for extended outages with full restoration currently estimated to take up to two weeks in Hickman, Lewis and Perry Counties. Humphreys County is expected to take a few more days. Additional outages may occur as weakened trees and limbs continue to fall or snap back in place as the ice melts.

To report an outage, please continue to call your local district office or the after-hours number 1-888-879-6038. This is especially important in Humphreys and Houston counties where only individual outages remain. Phone lines have been restored at Lewis and Perry County offices.

More than 150 additional mutual aid personnel, including lineworkers and right-of-way crews, are assisting MLEC crews as restoration continues. Broadband crews are also working to repair damaged fiber across the service area. However, many broadband repairs must wait until electric service is restored.

Members who have experienced damage to their weatherhead are asked to turn off their main breaker and contact their local MLEC office. For more details about your weatherhead, please visit mlec.com and MLEC social medias. Stay clear of downed power lines, avoid hazardous roadways when possible, and give crews space to work safely.

MLEC recognizes that many members are entering their third day without electricity. Prioritize safety by contacting their local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for information about warming shelters or reaching out to neighbors, friends, or family members with safe heating options.

“Our members are tired, cold, and concerned, and that is why MLEC keeps pushing forward. Please know we are working as quickly and safely as conditions allow with our full focus on restoring service to our communities, “said President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “We are incredibly proud of our crews, mutual aid partners, emergency responders, and local officials for what they’ve accomplished under extremely difficult conditions.”

An additional update will be provided at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday.