Severe storms and a confirmed tornado over the Memorial Day weekend caused widespread damage and power outages across Duck River Electric Membership Corporation’s (DREMC) service area, leaving more than 6,000 members without electricity as storms moved through the cooperative’s service area on Sunday afternoon.

High winds and heavy rain toppled large trees outside of DREMC’s right-of-way, which fell across power lines, bringing them down and damaging poles and other electrical equipment. Franklin County was particularly affected by a confirmed EF-1 tornado with wind speeds reaching up to 93 miles an hour.

In addition to trees falling across power lines, lightning also caused significant damage to electrical equipment.

DREMC crews, supported by additional contractors, right-of-way teams, Tullahoma Utilities Authority crews and other emergency responders, worked through the night in hazardous conditions to restore service, clear debris from the roads, and assist the community on many levels, restoring electric service as quickly, and most importantly, as safely as possible.

The most significant outage occurred in Estill Springs, where about 2,600 members lost power due to extensive damage to two major electric circuits supplying the area.

“Many trees had to be cleared by the right-of-way crews before construction crews could go to work. There were three broken poles, several broken cross arms, and multiple spans of line down,” said Rob Edde, DREMC Chief Operations Officer.

According to Edde, with improved weather conditions and no unforeseen complications, power was restored to all DREMC members early on Monday morning.

“The Memorial Day weekend storms are a daunting reminder of just how unpredictable and powerful weather events can be,” adds Edde, “yet, through it all, DREMC’s team rose to the challenge.”

“We are humbled by the response of our employees and the contractors assisting us,” adds Edde. “We appreciate their willingness to pause other weekend plans to restore power after events like the one we had over the Memorial Day weekend. Those who respond and assist under short-notice events like this one exhibit the character and commitment to community that our employees and contractors possess.”

During storm events, such as this, DREMC reminds everyone to stay clear of downed power lines and report hazards immediately, as safety remains the cooperative’s highest priority. They also emphasize the importance of being prepared for potential outages at any time of year and having a backup plan for family members who depend on life-support medical equipment that requires electricity.

Large tree falls and damages power lines along Blackburn Lane in Franklin County.

More damage occurred from fallen trees outside DREMC’s right-of-way in several areas, including Himes Lane and Awalt Road in hard-hit Franklin County.