Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution moved to Weather Warning status in central southern England on 18 January 2024, ahead of a period of severe weather forecast for Sunday night, 21 January, and into the early hours of Monday morning1.
The company's weather model showed a low-pressure system expected to bring high winds, with gusts of between 55-60mph expected across much of central southern England1. SSEN said the same weather system was also forecast to hit its north of Scotland distribution area, and that it was monitoring the potential impact there closely1.
SSEN said it was activating contingency plans and bringing in additional teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults which may interrupt customers' power supplies1. It said it would continue to monitor the storm and issue further updates depending on the forecast1.
"If you see any damage to our equipment, please stay back, don't touch it and instead report it to us directly by calling 105, or via our Power Track website"
A later SSEN notice, dated 23 January 2024, recorded a second move to Weather Warning status in central southern England, this time ahead of high winds from Storm Jocelyn forecast for Tuesday night from 9pm into the early hours of Wednesday morning2. That notice gave windspeeds of between 40-45mph inland and 50pmh in coastal areas, with some forecasts suggesting potential for gusts of up to 60mph2. It said SSEN's teams were remaining in place after restoration efforts from Storm Isha2.
Why it matters for households
A power cut during a named storm can affect heating, lighting, cooking and any medical equipment that relies on mains electricity. SSEN encouraged customers to be prepared for possible disruption to supplies by saving the emergency power cut number, 105, to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network, and by visiting its Power Track website for details of power cuts and restoration times, where power cuts and network damage can also be reported1. The company also pointed customers to the "Preparing for a power cut" section of its website and to its Webchat service1.
SSEN said customers are eligible for its free 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. It said registering for Priority Services helps it to help customers when they need it most, and gave the number 0800 294 3259 for more information1. SSEN also encouraged customers to follow its Facebook page (ssencommunity) for regular updates1.
For households preparing for storms and the loss of power they can bring, our storms and snow guide sets out the practical steps for the home.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor the weather closely and issue further updates depending on the forecast1. The 23 January notice said further updates would be issued as required2. No further SSEN notices after 23 January 2024 are reported here.
