UPDATED 5-29: Memorial Day weekend storm damage: pictorial update -

Assistance from power crews from nearby utility companies and around-the-clock work by New Albany lineman had service restored to most electricity customers early Monday evening.

New Albany Lights, Gas and Water (NALGW) Manager Bill Mattox reported that, as of 7 p.m., all but around 250 of the homes that lost power during the 70 m.p.h. winds Saturday night were back on line. He estimated that 100 or more such customers might be restored by the time the evening was over and that 100 to 150 might not have electricity until Tuesday.

Major structural damage was done to the New Albany power grid, with many utility poles down.

Mattox said crews from Tupelo, Northeast, and Tombigbee Electric were helping NALGW crews rebuild the system.

ORIGINAL POST:

A Memorial Day weekend storm bringing high winds estimated at over 70 mph, along with strong lightning and heavy rain rolled through the New Albany area around midnight Saturday, May 27.

Though there are no known injuries, there was a good deal of damage from winds and falling trees and large tree limbs. There have been reports that about 20 utility poles were broken during Sunday’s early morning thunderstorm. Thousands of area customers have experienced power outages of varying lengths.

Bill Mattox, manager of NALGW, says that he expects to have all but about 500 of their 10,000+ electrical customers back on line by midnight tonight (Sunday, May 28th).
The other 500, he hopes to get by close of business tomorrow ( Monday), though a few may take longer.

NALGW has received assistance from Tupelo power crews in the wake of this holiday weekend storm.

Many NALGW customers have expressed their appreciation for Mattox and his employees and their commitment to restoring services in the aftermath of storms such as his one.

Tree toppled by thunderstorm, Washington St. in Northside. Photo: Jeff Olson

Tree damage in Northside, on Adams. Photo: Jeff Olson

Utility lines still down as of early Sunday evening, Garfield St.

Large pine tree downed at Cleveland St. and Peterson Ave.

Storm damage to 300 block of Alabama

Concrete curb weighing several hundred pounds knocked loose when struck by falling limb.

Tree damage cleared at Northeast Community College.

Northeast Community College tree damage

Damage at Bentwood Drive, County Road 383 at Roberts’ Lake

Roberts’ Lake area damage.

Roofing materials on the sidewalk in 100 block of of E. Bankhead, apparently from building across the street at 119 E. Bankhead Street.

Damage at New Albany Middle School.

Storm damage on Apple St.

Storm damage on Apple St. is viewed by (L to R) New Albany Code Enforcement Officer, Eric Thomas and Apple St. residents Shelby Trammel and Julie Trammel.