Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) moved to Weather Warning status in central southern England on 30 December 2024, ahead of high winds forecast to cross the region from early morning on Wednesday 1 January 20251. The network operator said gusts are forecast to increase into the afternoon, reaching over 50mph inland and up to 70mph in coastal areas, with the potential for damage to the electricity network and power cuts1.
SSEN said the change in status reflected its increased level of preparedness and its latest assessment of the weather's potential impact over a 24-hour period1. It said it was activating contingency plans and bringing in additional teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults1. The Met Office has issued its own Yellow Weather Warnings for wind over the coming days, SSEN said1.
"We're activating our well-rehearsed contingency plans and bringing in additional teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults, which may interrupt customers' power supplies."
SSEN asked anyone who sees damage to its equipment to stay back, not touch it, and report it by calling 105 or via its Power Track website, so engineers can investigate as soon as possible1. It encouraged customers to save the number 105 to report any loss of supply or network damage, and to use Power Track for details of power cuts and restoration times1. Power Track also shows the progress of planned interruptions and can locate the nearest electric vehicle charge point for anyone needing to charge during a power cut1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers SSEN's central southern England region, with the strongest gusts expected in coastal areas from early morning on 1 January, increasing into the afternoon1. The direct risk SSEN identifies is damage to the electricity network and resulting power cuts1. Households can read guidance on preparing a home and garden for high winds and on how storms affect the electricity network, including why the electricity goes off. Drivers can read advice on driving safely in strong winds; the storms and snow hub and power cuts hub carry wider guidance.
SSEN said all its priority services are free and give extra help and support during a power cut1. It said customers are eligible for its Priority Services Register if they are deaf or hard of hearing, have a disability, live with children under five, are blind or partially sighted, have a chronic illness, use medical equipment or aids reliant on electricity, or are over 601. The register can be discussed on 0800 294 32591. There is a guide to who can join the Priority Services Register and what it gives. Households relying on gas central heating can read whether it will work without electricity, and anyone unsure about a caller claiming to be from their network can read how to check a caller is genuine. Background on how Britain's electricity network is run is also available.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor its own forecasts alongside those from the Met Office and would issue further updates depending on the forecast1. It encouraged customers to follow its Facebook page (ssencommunity) for regular updates1.
Preparing for High Winds
Storms and the Electricity Grid
Driving in Strong Winds
