Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) moved to its "Weather Warning" preparedness level in the north of Scotland on 27 November 2025, ahead of a period of forecast stormy weather. The network operator said high winds were forecast for Thursday afternoon and overnight into Friday in the north west of Scotland1.
SSEN's forecasts indicated that wind gusts of up to 75mph would move in from the west of Scotland from late afternoon on Thursday, expected to hit parts of Argyll, the Western Isles, the north-west Highlands and Caithness. The strongest winds were likely along the western coast and the Western Isles, with a potential for 80mph gusts overnight. Heavy rain was also expected. The Met Office issued its own Yellow Warnings for wind for Thursday and Friday1.
"Weather Warning" is the first of SSEN's levels of heightened preparedness ahead of a period of severe weather. The operator said moving to this status meant it had activated contingency plans, with teams in strategic locations ready to respond to network damage and faults which may interrupt power supply. SSEN said it would continue to monitor the forecast closely and issue further updates depending on it1.
"We've moved to our 'Weather Warning' preparedness level in the north of Scotland ahead of a period of forecast stormy weather."
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Preparedness level | Weather Warning, the first of SSEN's heightened levels1 |
| Forecast gusts | Up to 75mph from late afternoon on Thursday; potential for 80mph overnight1 |
| Areas named | Argyll, the Western Isles, the north-west Highlands and Caithness1 |
| Other conditions | Heavy rain also expected1 |
| Met Office warnings | Yellow Warnings for wind for Thursday and Friday1 |
Why it matters for households
Households across the north west of Scotland, the Western Isles and Caithness may see supplies interrupted if the forecast winds damage the electricity network. SSEN said teams were in strategic locations ready to respond to network damage and faults1. Its guidance for households is set out in its own words: customers are encouraged to save the emergency power cut number, 105, to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network, and to use its Power Track website for details of power cuts and restoration times, where power cuts and network damage can also be reported1. SSEN also points customers to its "Preparing for a power cut" section and its Webchat service1. On damage to equipment, SSEN advises: "If you see any damage to our equipment, please stay back, don't touch it", and to report it by calling 105 or via Power Track so engineers can investigate as soon as possible1. SSEN said it was encouraging customers to follow its Facebook page (ssencommunity) for regular updates1.
SSEN said customers are eligible for its Priority Services 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 60. It said all its priority services are free, and gave 0800 294 3259 as the number for finding out more1. The Priority Services Register guide explains who can join and what it provides, and the storms and the electricity network guide sets out what happens during storm-related cuts and how to get ready. Further background sits in the storms and snow hub and the power cuts hub.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor the weather forecast closely and issue further updates depending on the forecast1. The Met Office Yellow Warnings for wind cover Thursday and Friday1.
Storms and the Electricity Grid
