Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has today moved to Yellow Alert in preparation for storm-force winds that are forecast to impact its north of Scotland network region from tomorrow morning. The weather front has been officially named by the Met Office as Storm Ali and is the first named storm of the winter season.

SSEN's current weather model shows a period of gale force winds tracking across the north of Scotland from the early hours of Wednesday morning through to Wednesday night. Gusts of up to 85mph are predicted in Argyll, including the inner Hebrides, from around 9am on Wednesday morning, with the worst conditions in the Argyll area predicted around lunchtime.

Storm Ali is then forecast to track across the country from west to east before heading out to the North Sea tomorrow night. Parts of Perthshire and the north-east are expected to bear the brunt of the afternoon conditions, with wind gusts of up to 65mph likely across the area. Heavy rain is also forecast as well as a risk of infrequent lightning.

The combination of the weather conditions is expected to result in a number of faults to SSEN's electricity network, particularly as trees are still in full leaf and pose an increased risk of causing damage by falling onto the overhead network.

SSEN has enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its standby resources in anticipation of potential damage to its network and has moved its teams and equipment to the main areas due to be impacted. SSEN's preparations include:

  • Over 600 field staff are ready to respond promptly to damage to SSEN's network - this includes over 120 tree cutters
  • Mobile generation sets have been strategically deployed across SSEN's network region to assist with restoration efforts
  • Back-up generation stations on the inner Hebrides are on standby to help maintain supplies in the event of damage to circuits that supply the islands
  • Over 150 contact centre staff are available to respond promptly to customer enquiries
  • SSEN's teams have already proactively contacted over 125,000 Priority Service Customers to offer extra support where required
  • Welfare facilities, including catering vans, are on standby to support customers affected by potential disruptions to supplies
  • SSEN continues to liaise with local resilience partners to help coordinate efforts and ensure that everyone is prepared for any interruption to supplies should they occur

Dale Cargill, Director of Customer Operations, said:

"We've been tracking this weather front for several days and, in line with the recent forecasts, have activated our tried and tested resilience plans to respond promptly to any damage to our network Storm Ali may bring. Our teams and resources are well placed and we will continue to make all necessary preparations to support customers who may be impacted."

"If anyone is concerned about the potential disruption to supplies for themselves or others, particularly family members of neighbours who may need extra support, I would encourage them to give our teams a call on 105. I would also urge members of the public not to approach any damage to our equipment and instead, report it either by calling 105 or via our PowerTrack App and our teams will investigate as soon as possible."

SSEN is also asking its customers to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to supplies by:

  • Saving the new Freephone 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 and to report faults or damage to SSEN's network
  • Going to SSEN's website for 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 its Priority Services 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 children under the age of five
  • Are over the age of 60

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

High winds are also predicted throughout the week in SSEN's central southern England region, particularly during the course of Wednesday and overnight Thursday evening. Whilst the current forecasts are not expected to result in significant levels of network faults, SSEN continues to closely monitor the situation and has mobilised its teams and support staff to respond promptly to any weather related damage.