Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is preparing its teams to respond to a period of high winds and heavy rain that are forecast to impact Scotland on Thursday.

SSEN's current weather model shows a weather front moving across Scotland from the west coast from the early hours of Thursday morning, bringing with it the possibility of interruption to power supplies.

The high winds are due to peak between 6am and midday, with average wind speeds of around 40-50mph and gusts of more than 70mph forecasted on the West Coast, Argyll, the West Highlands and across Tayside and the central belt.

SSEN is ensuring that preparations and resources are in place to deal with any issues that may affect its electricity network.

SSEN's Director of Customer Operations, Dale Cargill, said: "While this is unusual weather to be predicted for June, we are well prepared with frontline and support staff on standby to handle any damage to our network and getting power restored to our customers as quickly and safely as possible. We will continue to monitor the weather and we will keep our customers fully informed throughout."

"The time of year also gives us an extra challenge, as trees are now in full leaf and therefore more susceptible to damage and contact with our overhead lines or equipment. We are also encouraging members of the public to safely store and secure outdoor furniture, BBQs and other garden items as the expected wind speeds could be strong enough to lift these, which could result in them coming into contact with our network."

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

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

  • Saving the 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 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