Engineers from power network operator Electricity North West have made significant progress after Storm Pia battered the region earlier today.  

Wind speeds of 55mph have been recorded as fallen trees, branches and debris have caused widespread damage across the North West.  

Engineers have now restored power to more than 10,500 properties with more than 30 individual damages reported. Impact has been across Lancashire and Cumbria with damage also reported in the Peak District and teams are working to restore the remaining 500 properties.  

Mark Mercer, Electricity North West’s incident manager, said: “Despite the extremely challenging conditions, we’ve made considerable progress and have been able to carry out repairs on many of the individual incidents.  

“We were well prepared well in advance, drafting in additional engineers into the region, and this has shown in our response and all outstanding faults are fully resourced and we won’t stop until the last home is reconnected.  

“As always, should any customers see any damage to the network, they should stay clear and report it to us by calling 105.” 

Throughout the day, Electricity North West’s call centre has handled more than 1,000 calls and teams are also door knocking its most vulnerable customers in the more rural areas.  

The power network operator is also working with catering outlets to provide hot meals and drinks for those still affected. These can be found at:   

• The White Hart, Wear Bridge, Ulverston, LA12 8JB 
• Food van on Hawkshead car park (close to Craghoppers), LA22 0NT