Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has today issued a Weather Alert in preparation for a period of gale to storm-force winds that could impact its network in the north of Scotland on Monday and overnight into Tuesday.

SSEN's current weather model shows:

  • Strong winds building during Monday morning in the Western Isles, North West Highlands, Argyll and Skye, peaking around midday where gusts of up to 75mph are forecast before easing after midnight
  • Gusts in the Moray Firth, Aberdeenshire, Caithness, Perth and Angus will reach up to 65mph, peaking on Monday afternoon and running through to mid-morning on Tuesday
  • Gusts of up to 65mph are also predicted in Orkney and Shetland over the course of the weather event, with the worst of the weather expected to reach the islands on Tuesday morning

The weather conditions have the potential to result in damage to SSEN's overhead line network through fallen trees and wind-born debris, leading to some interruptions to supplies.

In preparation, SSEN has enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its standby resources in anticipation of potential damage. SSEN is proactively contacting customers on its Priority Services Register to offer extra assistance where required and is liaising 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 are well prepared for the high winds and we are increasing our resources accordingly. We have activated our resilience plans and we are ready to respond promptly to any damage to our network this weather front may bring."

"I would encourage anyone concerned about the potential disruption to supplies for themselves or others, particularly family members or neighbours who may need extra support, to call us immediately on 105."

SSEN is also urging people to not approach any damage to its equipment and instead, report it to SSEN by calling 105 or via its Power Track App and engineers will investigate as soon as possible.

Customers are also being encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to supplies by:

  • Saving the emergency power cut number '105' to your phone to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network
  • Downloading SSEN's Power Track app to give you details of power cuts and restoration times. You can also report power cuts and network damage through the Power Track app
  • Going to SSEN's website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to deal with a power cut, or to chat live to one of SSEN's advisors via its Webchat service
  • Following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates

Customers can register for SSEN's Priority Services Register (PSR) if they require extra assistance. 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.