As the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia continue to impact the UK and Ireland, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is preparing to respond to the storm force winds that are forecast to impact its north of Scotland network later today.

SSEN's current weather model shows a period of high winds accompanied by heavy rain across much of its north of Scotland region, with Argyll and the Inner Hebrides the main areas predicted to be affected. Wind gusts of up to 65mph forecast and the storm is expected to peak between the hours of 15:00 and 21:00 today. These high winds, when accompanied by high tides, have the potential to form a storm surge with risk of flooding in coastal areas.

As the forecast high winds have the potential to cause some damage to its network, SSEN is asking customers to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to supplies.

SSEN is ensuring that preparations and resources are in place to deal with any issues that may affect its network. Director of Customer Operations, Dale Cargill, said:

"We have been tracking Hurricane Ophelia for a number of days as it tracked across the Atlantic and we are well prepared and resourced to respond to any damage to our network, where it is safe to do so. We have deployed additional frontline, support staff, equipment and welfare facilities in the areas expected to be impacted to help support efforts to restore power to our customers as quickly and safely as possible."

"If any of our customers experience a power cut, or have any concerns about a vulnerable family member or community member, please call us on the new national emergency number, 105."

SSEN is also encouraging its customers not to approach any damage to its equipment and instead, report the damage to by calling 105 and SSEN's engineers will investigate as soon as possible.

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 (PSR) 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.