Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) moved to Weather Warning status in central southern England on 30 December 2024, ahead of high winds forecast to cross the region on New Year's Day1. The company said the change reflected its increased level of preparedness and its latest assessment of the weather's potential impact over a 24-hour period1.
High winds from the south west are forecast to move across the region from early morning on Wednesday 1 January, with gusts increasing into the afternoon1. SSEN said gusts are expected to reach over 50mph inland and up to 70mph in coastal areas, bringing the potential for damage to the electricity network and power cuts1. The Met Office has issued its own Yellow Weather Warnings for wind over the coming days1.
SSEN said it was activating its contingency plans and bringing in additional teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults1. The company said it would continue to monitor its own forecasts alongside those from the Met Office and would issue further updates depending on the forecast1.
"We're moving to Weather Warning status in central southern England as high winds are forecast to move across the region on New Year's Day."
The same announcement covered the north of Scotland, where SSEN also moved to Weather Warning status ahead of severe weather over Hogmanay, with strong winds, prolonged rain and significant snowfall2. SSEN said gusts of up to 60mph would be widespread there, with 70mph gusts forecast for more exposed areas, and that the Met Office had issued Yellow and Amber Weather Warnings for wind over the coming days2.
| Area | Forecast in SSEN's announcement | Met Office warnings cited |
|---|---|---|
| Central southern England | South westerly winds from early morning on Wednesday 1 January; gusts over 50mph inland and up to 70mph in coastal areas1 | Yellow Weather Warnings for wind over the coming days1 |
| North of Scotland | Strong winds, prolonged rain and significant snowfall over Hogmanay; gusts up to 60mph widespread, 70mph in more exposed areas2 | Yellow and Amber Weather Warnings for wind over the coming days2 |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers SSEN's central southern England region, with disruption possible from early morning on 1 January and gusts building into the afternoon1. SSEN advises anyone who sees damage to its equipment to stay back, not touch it, and report it by calling 105 or via its Power Track website, where engineers will investigate as soon as possible1. It encourages customers to save the emergency power cut number 105 to report any loss of supply or network damage, and to use Power Track for details of power cuts and restoration times1. Power Track also shows the nearest electric vehicle charge point for those who need to charge during a power cut1.
SSEN said registering for its Priority Services Register helps it to help customers when they need it most, and that all its priority services are free1. Customers are eligible 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. The register can be discussed on 0800 294 32591. SSEN also encourages customers to follow its Facebook page (ssencommunity) for regular updates1.
For households wanting to track official warnings, the guide to Met Office weather warnings explains the yellow, amber and red levels, and the guide to signing up for Met Office alerts covers how warnings are received. The storms and snow hub and the staying informed hub set out wider preparation and information steps.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor the forecast closely and issue further updates depending on it1. No further update times or restoration estimates have been reported1.
