Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution moved to Weather Warning status on 1 November 2022, in preparation for unsettled weather that could affect the electricity network in the north of Scotland on the Wednesday and Thursday of that week1. SSEN is the electricity distribution network operator serving over 3.8 million homes and businesses across central southern England and the north of Scotland1.
SSEN's weather model showed strong winds, heavy rain and lightning building in the west of Scotland from midday on Wednesday, with gusts of up to 55mph expected in Kintyre, Islay, Mull, Tiree and Skye1. As the low pressure system moved north through the day, strong winds were expected to continue across the Central Belt, Aberdeenshire and Moray1. Peak gusts of up to 65mph were expected across Argyll and North West Highland from 8pm on Wednesday, remaining strong across the network area overnight before gradually easing by mid-afternoon on Thursday1.
| Area | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Argyll and North West Highland | Peak gusts of up to 65mph from 8pm on Wednesday |
| Central Belt, Aberdeenshire and Moray | Strong winds continuing as the system moved north |
| Network area | Strong winds overnight, easing by mid-afternoon on Thursday |
SSEN said it had enacted its resilience plans and was increasing and moving additional resources to key locations in anticipation of any potential damage1.
"Our dedicated customer contact teams are proactively contacting customers on our Priority Services Register to offer additional advice and support."
SSEN urged people not to approach any damaged equipment, and to report it by calling 105 or via its Power Track app so that engineers could investigate as soon as possible1. It also encouraged customers to save the emergency power cut number, 105, to their phone, to download the Power Track app for details of power cuts and restoration times, to use its website for advice on preparing for a possible loss of power, and to follow its social media accounts for updates1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covered households across the north of Scotland, with the strongest gusts expected in Argyll and North West Highland from 8pm on Wednesday and winds remaining strong across the network area overnight into Thursday afternoon1. SSEN's Priority Services Register provides extra help and support during a power cut, and the company said its contact teams were proactively contacting registered customers with additional advice and support1. SSEN lists eligibility for its free priority services as: being deaf or hard of hearing; having a disability; living with children under five; being blind or partially sighted; having a chronic illness; using medical equipment or aids reliant on electricity; being over 60; or temporarily needing extra support1. It gives the number for finding out more about the register as 0800 294 32591. Households can read more about the Priority Services Register and about storms and the electricity network, including driving safely in strong winds.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor weather forecasts and provide updates if the situation changed1.
Storms and the Electricity Grid
