Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is preparing its teams to respond to a forecast of heavy rain, high winds and risk of lightning in central southern England.

The current SSEN weather model shows a weather front moving across the area from late Monday afternoon and throughout the day on Tuesday, bringing with it the possibility of interruption to power supplies.

The high winds are forecast to peak overnight, with gusts of over 50mph predicted and SSEN is ensuring that preparations and resources are in place to deal with any issues that may affect its network across central southern England.

SSEN's Director of Customer Operations, Craig Gilroy, said: "While this is unusual weather to be predicted for early June, we are well prepared with frontline and support staff on standby to handle any damage to our network, getting power restored to our customers as quickly and safely as possible."

"We will continue to monitor the weather throughout today and into this evening and will keep our customers fully informed."

Customers are encouraged to be prepared in the event of possible disruption to power supplies, by:

  • Saving the new emergency power cut number '105' to your phone to use if your power goes off, or if you see any damage to the electricity network.
  • Downloading SSEN's Power Track app to give you details of power cuts and restoration times.
  • Going to SSEN's website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to prepare for a possible loss of power.
  • Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates

In the event of an interruption in power supplies, SSEN's customer service team will make outbound calls to customers on our Priority Service Register to offer extra assistance, where required. People can qualify for the PSR if they:

  • Are dependent on electricity for home medical care
  • Have a chronic illness or short term medical condition
  • Are disabled
  • Have special communication needs
  • Have a young baby or receive a state pension.

To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259.