SSEN Distribution moved to Yellow Alert status on 14 February 2022 in anticipation of gale force winds forecast to affect its north of Scotland operating region from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, the weather front having been named Storm Dudley by the Met Office1. The network operator, which delivers power to over 3.8 million homes and businesses across central southern England and the north of Scotland, said the storm was expected to cause damage to its infrastructure from fallen trees and other wind-borne debris1.
Forecast gusts by area, as given by SSEN1:
| Area | Forecast gusts |
|---|---|
| Western Isles | In excess of 80mph |
| Exposed areas in Argyll, the Inner Hebrides and the west coast | 70-75mph |
| Inland Argyll and western parts of Perthshire | 65mph |
| North East | Around 50mph |
Winds were expected to remain strong across most of northern Scotland during Thursday, particularly in the Western Isles, before dropping by evening1. A Met Office yellow wind warning remained in place across the north of Scotland for both Wednesday and Thursday, with an amber warning in place across parts of the UK, including Argyll and the Inner Hebrides1.
SSEN said it had enacted its resilience plans, increasing and moving additional resources to key locations, bringing in additional operations teams from contracting partners and ensuring island locations and back-up generating plant were fully resourced1. It had issued proactive communications to over 100,000 customers on its Priority Service Register and was calling those in high categories of vulnerability, and was coordinating with local resilience partners on preparations and welfare planning1.
"SSEN Distribution has moved to Yellow Alert status in anticipation of gale force winds forecast to impact our north of Scotland operating region from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday."
Why it matters for households
The alert covers households in the Western Isles, Argyll, the Inner Hebrides, the west coast, inland Argyll, western parts of Perthshire and the North East, with the strongest winds forecast from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday and conditions easing on Thursday evening1. SSEN said damage to its network from fallen trees and wind-borne debris could disrupt supplies1. It asked anyone who sees damaged equipment to keep a safe distance and report it by calling 105 or via its Power Track app1. The company encouraged customers to prepare for possible disruption by saving the emergency power cut number, 105, to their phone, downloading the Power Track app for details of power cuts and restoration times, using its website for advice on dealing with a power cut or its Webchat service, and following SSEN on Facebook and Twitter for updates1.
SSEN listed the groups eligible for its Priority Services Register as people who 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, are over 60, or are categorised at high risk or extremely high risk of severe illness from coronavirus1. It gave the number for more information as 0800 294 32591. Households preparing for possible loss of power can find general guidance in the guide to storms and snow.
What happens next
The Met Office yellow wind warning for the north of Scotland was in place for Wednesday and Thursday, with an amber warning covering Argyll and the Inner Hebrides1. SSEN said winds would remain strong across most of northern Scotland during Thursday, particularly in the Western Isles, before dropping by evening1. No further dated steps have been reported.
