The electricity distribution network in central southern England has stood up well to the initial force of Storm Doris, which has brought winds of up to 65mph across the region.

SSEN engineers are making good progress in reconnecting customers affected by damage to overhead lines and network equipment. Since midnight, SSEN engineers have successfully restored power to over 22,000 homes, with approximately 5,000 homes currently without power. All faults are fully resourced and all customers are expected to be restored tonight.

The worst of the conditions have been observed in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire where a wind gust of 65mph was recorded in Odiham.

SSEN has more than 1,000 engineering, technical and support staff on duty. Ahead of the storm, engineering teams were mobilised to key locations to minimise disruption and inconvenience to customers.

Customer service teams have been contacting over 7,000 customers on our Priority Service Register to check on their wellbeing in case they need additional help.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks remains on yellow alert with peak wind gusts expected to continue until at least 3pm today. A further update will be provided at 4pm.

Craig Gilroy, Director of Customer Operations for SSEN, said:"Our network has stood up well to the initial force of Storm Doris but we won't be complacent. The weather is expected to remain very challenging over the course of this afternoon, with winds of up to 70mph forecast, and further network damage is possible."

"Our teams remain fully prepared to respond quickly to disruption to supplies, where it is safe to do so. I'd like to thank customers for their patience and reassure them we will be doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum."

Customers can prepare for 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 Ready For Winter pages 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
  • If people require extra help or assistance people can sign up to our Priority Service Register team. To find out more click here or call 0800 294 3259

Members of the public should not approach fallen or damaged power lines, as they may still be live.