Northern Powergrid reported some disruption to power supplies after the Met Office issued a warning for strong winds and rain across its operating area, in an update published on Thursday 12 March 2026 as at 16.00. The network operator said its teams were restoring power to affected areas safely and as quickly as possible, and that it was prepared and ready to respond if the weather caused further disruption.
The company did not state in its update how many customers were without power, where the disruption was concentrated, or how long restoration was expected to take. It said it would keep customers updated through its website, social media channels and text messages.
"The Met Office has issued a warning for strong winds and rain across our operating area. This weather does have potential to impact our electricity network, and there is some disruption to power supplies."
Northern Powergrid asked customers to report power cuts online at northernpowergrid.com/powercut-logging or by calling 105, the free national power cut phone line. It said customers can also report a power cut via WhatsApp on 0191 6872254 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturday, and that those without online access should call 105. Anyone who spots fallen trees or damage to poles or overhead cables is asked to stay well clear and call 105 immediately. The company said 999 should only be called in the event of an emergency.
Customers registered for the company's free Priority Services Membership will be contacted, Northern Powergrid said, to let them know when power is likely to be back on and to ask whether they need additional support. Those who might benefit can register at northernpowergrid.com/care, by email at priorityservices@northernpowergrid.com or on the dedicated priority service line, 0800 169 2996.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers Northern Powergrid's operating area, and the company has confirmed that some supplies have already been affected. Households there may lose power while the strong winds and rain continue, and the company has not said how many premises are involved or when restoration will be complete.
Northern Powergrid's published advice for a power cut includes turning off electrical appliances at the socket, particularly heating and cooking appliances, because power could be restored at any time and potentially cause a safety hazard. It also advises keeping one light switched on so households know when power returns, keeping a battery or wind-up torch handy rather than candles, checking on elderly or sick neighbours and relatives, and having warm clothing, blankets and food and drink that does not need electricity to prepare. It advises bookmarking its online power cut map and reporting service on mobile devices and keeping a charged phone with important numbers saved, including 105.
Households that depend on electricity for medical or mobility needs can join the Priority Services Register, which the company says gives help and extra peace of mind during a power cut. The Met Office warning itself has not been published in detail in the company's update; the Met Office weather warnings guide explains the yellow, amber and red levels, and households can sign up through the Met Office alerts guide. Practical preparation for network damage is covered in storms and the electricity network, with further material in the power cuts hub and the storms and snow hub. Drivers in strong winds can refer to the guide on driving safely in strong winds, and the Priority Services Register guide sets out who can join and what it provides.
What happens next
Northern Powergrid said it would continue to update customers via its website, social media channels and text messages, and that teams would restore power safely and as quickly as possible. No timescale for full restoration, and no further Met Office warning detail, has been reported.
Sources (1)
- We're prepared as strong winds impact our network | Northern Powergrid, northernpowergrid.com
Storms and the Electricity Grid
