Gov. Bill Lee requests assessment to determine eligibility for federal assistance after storms

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is asking for a joint assessment from state and federal entities for potential federal assistance following a pair of natural disasters that spawned mass power outages, extensive property damage in multiple counties and loss of life.

The joint assessment will be carried out by officials with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In December, warmer winter weather helped produce a storm system hundreds of miles long that ultimately created 16 tornadoes that touched down in West and Middle Tennessee.

More recently, an ice storm downed hundreds of trees, which triggered power outages for almost a third of utility customers in Shelby County.

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The assessment will determine if affected counties in the state are eligible for federal assistance through various programs and help reimburse local governments for disaster relief efforts. 

"We are pursuing every option to ensure areas affected by the recent floods and ice storm recover well and Tennesseans receive resources,” Lee said in a statement. “I thank our federal, state, and local partners who are assisting us in a thorough accounting of the damage incurred."

The request for assessment comes on the heels of Winter Storm Landon that disrupted life for counties across West Tennessee. The bulk of the damage occurred in Shelby County. 

As of Wednesday, more than 34,000 Memphis Light, Gas & Water customers were still without power, in spite of the utility company contracting upwards of 100 additional trucks and crews to assist with power restoration.

Recent warmer temperatures have provided some respite for the tens of thousands of Shelby County residents who have been seeking alternate means of shelter and heat. The warmth came after days of temperatures hovering around freezing. 

According to FEMA, eligibility is typically determined fewer than 30 days from the time all documentation is filed. 

Micaela Watts is a breaking news reporter for The Commercial Appeal and can be reached at micaela.watts@commercialappeal.com.