In response, Electricity North West, the region’s power network operator, has drafted in extra engineers and call centre agents to help keep power on, repair any potential damage caused by Storm Aileen and help customers 24/7.

Mark Williamson, operations director at Electricity North West, said: “We are closely monitoring the weather in preparation for Storm Aileen and taking extra measures for the bad weather due to hit the region this evening and into tomorrow morning.

“We have extra engineers on standby and ready to act when required. Although we invest more than £130m a year in upgrading the power network strong winds can sometimes cause damage to overhead lines due to flying debris and falling trees.

“If customers do see any damage to our overhead power lines please stay away and report it to us on the free national power cut number, 105.

“We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if customers need any help or advice.”

Electricity North West offers extra support to customers through their Priority Services Register. Extra support is available to customers if they require it. Customers can register online by visiting www.enwl.co.uk/priority or contacting Electricity North West on the new national number 105 or 0800 195 4141.

For advice on how to be prepared and stay safe please visit www.enwl.co.uk/power-cuts/dealing-with-power-cuts

To report a power cut please call the new national number 105, follow @ElectricityNW on Twitter or Facebook, or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk.