Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) moved to its "Weather Warning" preparedness level in central southern England on 7 January 2026, ahead of a period of severe weather on Thursday and Friday1. The system has been named Storm Goretti by France's meteorological service1.
SSEN's forecasts indicate wind speeds of up to 70mph in exposed parts of Wessex and along the south coast, with 55mph gusts forecast inland, and wind speeds are due to peak in the early hours of Friday1. The Met Office has issued its own warnings for wind for Thursday and Friday1. SSEN describes "Weather Warning" as the first of its levels of heightened preparedness ahead of a period of severe weather1.
"Moving to this status means we've activated our well-rehearsed contingency plans, with teams in strategic locations ready to respond to network damage and faults, which may interrupt your power supply."
The company said teams on duty overnight in its control room have also been bolstered, and that they will be on hand to reroute the network around faults, meaning the power in some cases can be restored more quickly1. It has sent text messages to more than 400 thousand customers registered for its Priority Services who live in the areas forecast to be most affected by winds, containing advice and information in the event the power goes off for a time1. SSEN said it will continue to monitor the weather closely and will issue further updates depending on the forecast1.
SSEN lists the following groups as eligible for its Priority Services, which it says are free1:
| Eligible for SSEN Priority Services |
|---|
| Deaf or hard of hearing |
| Have a disability |
| Live with children under five |
| Blind or partially sighted |
| Have a chronic illness |
| Use medical equipment or aids reliant on electricity |
| Over 60 |
Why it matters for households
Households across central southern England, exposed parts of Wessex and the south coast face possible interruption to power supplies from gale-force winds on Thursday evening and into the early hours of Friday, with inland gusts of 55mph also forecast1. SSEN says a power cut can be worrying or difficult for some people, which is why it offers extra help and support during a power cut through its Priority Services1. The company encourages customers 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 times1. It asks anyone who sees damage to its equipment to stay back, not touch it, and report it by calling 105 or via Power Track1. Customers can also follow updates on Facebook at ssencommunity1. Further detail on storms and the electricity network, preparing a home and garden for high winds and the Priority Services Register is available in the site's guides.
What happens next
SSEN said it will continue to monitor this unpredictable period of weather closely and will issue further updates depending on the forecast1. The Met Office warnings for wind cover Thursday and Friday1.
Storms and the Electricity Grid
Preparing for High Winds
