The region’s power network operator has restored supplies to around 12,000 properties throughout the evening following the Met Office’s yellow warning for wind and rain issued earlier today.
Around 2,500 properties remain without power as fallen trees have hit lines and flooding has made access difficult for repair teams. Properties are affected across the North West, from Manchester to the Lake District, including 747 properties currently without power in Ormskirk and 681 in Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria.
Electricity North West control room manager, Chris Fox, said: “Following the weather warning issued earlier today, we put additional engineers on standby to help us deal with issues this evening.
“Our teams are out and about on the network and we’re doing everything we can to restore power to the remaining customers as quickly as possible.
“We work hard throughout the year maintaining and upgrading the network, but unfortunately overhead power lines can be damaged by flying debris and fallen trees in high winds.
“We are here 24 hours day seven days a week so please contact us if you need any advice or information.”
If you see power lines down please stay away and report it to Electricity North West on 0800 195 4141, or by calling the new national power cut number, 105.
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.
Follow @ElectricityNW or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk for updates.
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 or 105
For more information about flood alerts click here and to keep up-to-date with the weather in your area visit the Met Office.
