Met Office issues heavy snow weather warning for North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy snow and freezing temperatures across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire on Saturday and Sunday¹. Northern Powergrid, the electricity network operator for the region, said the forecast weather has the potential to impact the electricity network, so there is a possibility of disruption to power supplies and difficult travel and accessibility conditions across the region¹. The operator published its statement on 3 January 2025¹.

Northern Powergrid said its teams are ready to respond 24/7, and that it has extra teams ready with 4x4s and specialist access vehicles so it can restore supplies and carry out repairs if the network is damaged¹. It said it will keep customers updated via its website, social media channels and text messages, and that customers can track progress on its power cut map¹. The company said its customer support vehicles and welfare partners are also prepared to go out into local communities, where possible, to offer help on the ground¹.

For households, the operator said Priority Services customers affected by a power cut will be contacted with an estimate of when power is likely to be back on, and to find out if they need additional support¹. It said anyone who knows someone who might benefit from Priority Services membership can encourage them to join online for free, email priorityservices@northernpowergrid.com or call the dedicated priority service line on 0800 169 2996¹. Those without online access can call Northern Powergrid on 105¹.

Northern Powergrid's own advice to customers includes saving its online power cut map and reporting service on mobile devices, keeping a charged mobile phone with important numbers including 105, the free national power cut phone line, easily accessible, and turning off electrical appliances at the socket, which it says is particularly important for heating or cooking appliances because power could be restored at any time and potentially cause a safety hazard¹. It also advises keeping one light switched on so you know when power is restored, keeping a battery or wind-up torch handy rather than candles, checking on elderly or sick neighbours and relatives, and ensuring warm clothing, blankets and food and drink that does not require electricity to heat or prepare are available¹. It says to call 999 only in the event of an emergency¹. Customers can report a power cut by calling 105, and anyone who spots damaged power lines, poles or cables should stay well clear and call 105 immediately¹.

The Met Office warning covers Saturday and Sunday¹. No further detail on the warning level, exact timings or affected areas within the region has been reported in the statement.

Why it matters for households

Households across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire may see power cuts and difficult travel conditions over the weekend¹. Northern Powergrid says it is prepared to respond and will contact Priority Services customers if they are affected¹. The operator's advice covers reporting and tracking a power cut, electrical safety when supply returns, torches, warm clothing and food that needs no cooking, and checking on neighbours¹. The Met Office weather warnings guide explains the yellow, amber and red levels, and households can find out how to receive alerts in the guide to signing up for Met Office weather alerts. Practical steps for cold weather at home are set out in getting your home ready for cold weather and ice, and advice on travel in poor conditions is in should I delay my journey in bad weather?. More guidance is collected in the storms and snow hub.

What happens next

Northern Powergrid said it will keep customers updated through its website, social media channels and text messages, and that customers can track its progress on its power cut map¹.