Electricity North West and partner agencies had been pumping water from the area since earlier this evening but the additional defences have now been breached.

Electricity North West has asked for support from partners and other electricity networks around the country to provide additional generators to the area to restore power to priority customers.

Mark Williamson, operations director for Electricity North West, said: “We are working to get as many generators to the area as soon as we can but cannot begin repairs until we can gain safe access to the substation.

“We are working with the fire service, police and council to prioritise our resources to the most vulnerable.”

Electricity North West invested £7.9m in flood defences at major sites over the past few years, including Lancaster substation, to protect them against 'once-in-100 years' floods.

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.

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

What to do if you have a power cut:

• Use a battery operated or wind-up torch
• Have warm clothes and blankets available
• Check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives
• Make sure electrical appliances, such as cookers, electric fires etc are turned off
• Join our Priority Service Register if you need extra support electricitynorthwest.co.uk/priority
• Keep your freezer and fridge door closed to prevent defrosting​
• If you need any advice ring us 24/7 on 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW

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