Met Office issues weather warning for Storm Bert across Northern Powergrid's North East and Yorkshire regions

Northern Powergrid said the Met Office warning for Storm Bert covered both its North East and Yorkshire regions, running from 5am on Saturday 23 November until 9am on Sunday 24 November¹. The network operator, which distributes electricity in those regions, said the storm had the potential to affect the electricity network and that disruption to power supplies was possible¹.

The company said its teams were on stand-by to be deployed to affected areas and were prepared to restore power as quickly as possible¹. It said it was proactively contacting vulnerable customers registered under its free Priority Services Membership, and was engaging with stakeholders, local councils and Local Resilience Forums¹. Customer support vehicles and welfare partners were also described as prepped and ready to go out into local communities, where possible, to offer help on the ground¹.

For customers on the Priority Services Membership, the company said it would contact those affected to say when power was likely to be back on and to find out whether they needed additional support¹. It said it would keep customers updated via its website, social media channels and text message¹.

Northern Powergrid gave the following reporting routes for a power cut¹:

It asked customers who spot fallen trees on power lines or poles, or damaged cables caused by strong winds, to stay well clear and call 105 immediately¹. It also said 999 should only be called in the event of an emergency¹.

Why it matters for households

The warning period ran from early on Saturday 23 November to mid-morning on Sunday 24 November, so households in the North East and Yorkshire were within the window in which Northern Powergrid said supply disruption was possible¹. The company's published advice for a power cut included turning off electrical appliances at the socket, particularly heating or cooking appliances, because power could be restored at any time and potentially cause a safety hazard; keeping one light switched on so it is clear when power returns; and keeping a battery or wind-up torch handy, which it described as much safer than candles¹. It also advised having a charged mobile phone with important numbers, including 105, easily accessible, and keeping warm clothing, blankets and food and drink that does not need electricity to heat or prepare¹. It suggested bookmarking its online power cut map and reporting service on mobile devices, and checking on elderly or sick neighbours and relatives¹.

Households can read more on how Met Office weather warnings are graded, on storms and the electricity network and on storms, snow and ice in the home. There is also guidance on whether to delay a journey in bad weather and on signing up for Met Office weather alerts.

What happens next

Northern Powergrid said it would keep customers updated through its website, social media channels and text message, and that Priority Services customers affected would be contacted with an estimate of when power was likely to be restored¹. No further warning periods or restoration figures for Storm Bert were given in the announcement¹.