CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — While much of southeast Tennessee is seeing the last effects of the weekend winter storm fade, more than 100,000 people remain without power in Middle Tennessee.
State officials estimate about 130,000 customers were without electricity as of Monday, leaving many homes without heat as bitter cold lingers. For comparison, about 180,000 people live in Chattanooga.
Falling trees and ice damaged power lines across the Nashville area, forcing some families to spend hours outside trying to keep water lines from freezing.
“They’ve spent pretty much all day, every day, outside, warming up the water lines to keep them from freezing,” said Nathaniel Hughes, whose family members are among those affected.
Even when loved ones can be reached, officials say there are concerns about people who cannot be contacted, especially the elderly or those living alone…