55,000 properties in Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and the surrounding area could be without power for a number of days following flooding to a major electricity substation in the area.

Flood defences that were upgraded in 2010 to withstand a '1-in-100-years' flood were breached just before 23:00 on Saturday night. Engineers from the power company are working with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to determine when it is safe to access the flooded substation.

In the last hour we have lost 4,000 customers in Willowholme in Carlisle due to flooding in the electricity substation and our engineers are on their way.

Electricity North West invested £500k on improved flood defences at the Lancaster substation in 2010 to withstand a '1-in-100-year' flood. We have invested £7.9m in additional flood defences over the past few years at 31 key sites as a result of the 2009 floods in Cumbria.

Carlisle and Kendal defences are currently holding and we are monitoring closely with the emergency services.

If you see power lines down please stay away and report it to Electricity North West immediately on 0800 195 4141.

Vulnerable customers, including some older or disabled people, or those with a medical dependency on electricity, can also sign up to the Priority Services Register by visiting www.enwl.co.uk/priority or contacting Electricity North West on 0800 195 4141.

To report a power cut please call 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk. To get the latest flood advice and information in your area please visit the Environment Agency.

Power cut advice and tips:
• Keep your freezer and fridge door closed to prevent defrosting
• Leave a light on so you know when power is restored
• Take care using candles
• Check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives
• Make sure electrical appliances, such as cookers, electric fires etc are turned off
• If you need any advice ring us 24/7 on 0800 195 4141

During a flood:
• If water is about to enter your property, turn off your electricity supply, but only if safe to do so
• Do not touch any electrical equipment or cables whilst you are standing in flood water
• Do not touch any electrical equipment or cables that have been immersed in flood water

For more information about flood alerts click here and to keep up-to-date with the weather in your area visit the Met Office.