22 Jan 2024

Engineers battle to repair damage from Storm Isha as Storm Jocelyn named

Crosby Ravensworth2 small

Engineers have restored power to 48,000 properties across the North West as they continue battling conditions to restore power to remaining properties.

Following winds of up to 80mph brought by Storm Isha, engineers have been repairing more than 166 separate sites of damage while monitoring forecasts for Storm Jocelyn tomorrow.

Fallen trees, branches and debris have caused widespread damage, with continuing high winds hampering restoration efforts for the last 4,000 properties.

Main impacts have been in north Cumbria, and Electricity North West has provided a number of food vans and local catering outlets to provide food and drinks to local residents until power is restored.

Mark Mercer, Electricity North West’s network systems manager, said: “We’re focused on completing the work to get everyone back on as soon as possible. I’d like to thank our teams for their efforts so far and thank everyone affected for their patience and understanding while we make these repairs.

“The winds are still making it unsafe to make repairs in some local areas but we’re fully resourced and are bringing in more engineers from around the country.”

Tree cutting teams are clearing trees from lines before engineers and overhead lines teams can rebuild sections of network where poles have snapped and lines have been brought down. Electricity North West has warned that a small number of customers may be without power until Wednesday given the ongoing winds and challenging repairs. 

Mark added: “We are updating our estimated restoration times regularly based on live information from our engineers on site and we want to be as realistic as possible. We’re telling some customers they might be without power until Wednesday so that they can make alternative arrangements.

“If you’re concerned or need additional support call us on 105 and we can give you the latest information and advice to keep you safe while we get your power back on.”

Hundreds of people from the company are knocking on doors and calling customers in affected areas to offer support.

For live power cut information go to www.enwl.co.uk/powercuts. You can follow updates and contact Electricity North West on X and Facebook, or you can call for free on 105 from any phone.