Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has today moved to Yellow Alert in preparation for storm-force winds that are forecast to impact its central southern England network region later this afternoon. The weather front has been officially named by the Met Office as Storm Bronagh and is the second named storm of the autumn/winter season, following fast on the heels of Storm Ali which caused widespread destruction across many parts of the country on Wednesday.

SSEN's current weather model shows a period of storm force winds will impact its central southern England network region from Thursday afternoon, through to Friday morning. Gusts in excess of 65mph are predicted in coastal locations with wide spread gusts of 60mph expected across SSEN's region, peaking between 9pm tonight and 9am on Friday. Whilst the wind is then due to subside, it will remain blustery throughout Friday, with widespread and prolonged gusts of 50mph forecast for much of the day.

A second weather front is also developing, which current forecasts indicate would bring storm force winds from Sunday afternoon, peaking between 12pm and 9pm. Whilst it is still too early to accurately predict the likely impact of this weather front, SSEN's current models indicate this could bring even higher winds, with widespread gusts of 70mph predicted.

SSEN has enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its standby resources in anticipation of any 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 900 field staff are ready to respond promptly to damage to SSEN's network
  • Mobile generation sets have been strategically deployed across SSEN's network region to assist with restoration efforts
  • Over 200 contact centre staff are available to respond promptly to customer enquiries
  • SSEN's teams have already proactively contacted 137,000 Priority Service Customers to prepare for bad weather and offer extra support where required
  • Welfare facilities are on standby to support customers affected by any 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

Craig Gilroy, Director of Customer Operations, said:

"Our advanced weather monitoring systems have been tracking this weather front for several days and, in line with recent forecasts, have activated our tried and tested resilience plans. Due to the time of year, with trees still in full leaf, there is an increased risk of tree related damage to our network. We are therefore asking our customers to be prepared for the potential disruption to supplies."

"We are also keeping a very close eye on the weather forecast for Sunday, which current forecasts suggest could be even worse than predictions for Storm Bronagh. We would like to assure our customers we will remain on a state of high alert and are well prepared to respond promptly to disruption to supplies, where it is safe to do so."

"If anyone is concerned about the potential disruption to supplies, particularly if you have family members of neighbours who may need extra support, please 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, or to chat live to one of SSEN's advisors via its Webchat service
  • 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.