Despite working round the clock to restore power to those affected by ex-hurricane Ophelia on Monday and early Tuesday, further bad weather on Tuesday evening from 6.30pm caused power cuts to another 5,000 properties towards the county’s west coast.

Engineers have now restored a further 4,000 properties taking the total to 24,000 restored, with engineers attending each of the faults that have occurred in the past two hours to restore the final 1,000 properties.

Chris Fox, network systems manager, for Electricity North West, said: "While we’re pleased to have restored power to the 20,000 properties affected by the initial storm, we have seen further power cuts in Cumbria this evening which we are working to fix as soon as possible.

"Thanks to customers for their understanding throughout the day, and thanks to our engineers for braving the wind and now rain to restore these latest faults.”

Electricity North West sent food vans to Cleator and Watermillock earlier to feed people who had been without power and provide hot drinks.

The network operator is warning people not to approach any lines that may have been brought down and to call Electricity North West directly on 105 and report it. You can also ring the same number to report a power cut 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Customers that require extra assistance can sign up for Electricity North West's Priority Services Register at www.enwl.co.uk/priority