The Met Office Amber weather warning for strong winds covers the North East and Yorkshire regions on Sunday 21 January and Monday 22 January 2024, Northern Powergrid said on 19 January 20241. The electricity network operator said Storm Isha has the potential to affect the electricity network, so there is a possibility of disruption to power supplies1.
Northern Powergrid said its teams are on standby to be deployed to any affected areas and are prepared to help restore power as quickly as possible1. It said it is proactively contacting vulnerable customers registered with its free Priority Services Membership and is engaging with stakeholders, local councils and Local Resilience Forums1. Customer support vehicles and welfare partners are also prepared to go out into local communities, where possible, to offer help on the ground1.
"Storm Isha has the potential to have an impact on the electricity network, so there is a possibility that there could be disruption to power supplies."
The operator asked customers to report a power cut online at northernpowergrid.com or by calling 105, saying this helps it locate faults on the network1. It said customers without online access should call free-phone 105, and that power cuts can also be reported via WhatsApp on 0191 687 22 54, available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm1. It said it will continue to keep customers updated via its website, social media channels and text message1.
Northern Powergrid's power cut advice, as published1:
| Advice | Detail given |
|---|---|
| Reporting and updates | Bookmark the online power cut map and reporting service on mobile devices; report online and stay online for updates, or call 105 |
| Phone | Keep a charged mobile phone with important numbers, including 105, easily accessible |
| Appliances | Turn off electrical appliances at the socket, particularly heating or cooking appliances, as power could be restored at any time and potentially cause a safety hazard |
| Lighting | Keep one light switched on so you know when power is restored; keep a battery or wind-up torch handy, which it says is much safer than candles |
| Neighbours | Check on elderly or sick neighbours and relatives |
| Supplies | Ensure warm clothing and blankets are handy and some food and drink that does not require electricity to heat or prepare |
| Emergencies | Only call 999 in the event of an emergency |
| Damaged lines | Stay well clear of fallen trees on power lines or poles or damaged cables and call 105 immediately |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers households in the North East and Yorkshire on Sunday 21 and Monday 22 January 2024, and Northern Powergrid says disruption to power supplies is possible1. Households registered with its free Priority Services Membership will be contacted about power cuts, by text message if it holds a mobile number or by calling a landline, at any time of day or night, with the time power is likely to be back on and any additional help available1. People can join by visiting the Priority Services page, emailing priorityservices@northernpowergrid.com or calling 0800 169 2996, and those needing additional support due to medical or personal circumstances can contact the dedicated Powergrid Care team on 0800 169 29961. The Met Office weather warnings guide explains the difference between yellow, amber and red warnings, and how storms affect the electricity network sets out what happens and how to get ready. Households can also read how to sign up for Met Office alerts and how to drive safely in strong winds.
What happens next
Northern Powergrid said it will continue to keep customers updated via its website, social media channels and text message1. No further dated steps have been reported.
Sources (1)
- Storm Isha | Northern Powergrid, northernpowergrid.com
Met Office Weather Warnings
Storms and the Electricity Grid
