Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said on 17 February 2022 that it remained at Weather Warning for its north of Scotland region heading into the weekend in anticipation of gale force winds1. SSEN is the electricity Distribution Network Operator responsible for delivering power to over 3.8 million homes and businesses across central southern England and the north of Scotland1.
Wind gusts of up to 45mph, along with a drop in temperatures and localised snowfall, were expected in low lying areas over the course of Friday1. Moving into Sunday, wind speeds were predicted to increase across the west coast, with gusts estimated to hit 75mph in the Western Isles; in the early hours of Monday morning gusts of up to 75mph were expected through the Inner Hebrides and into Argyll1.
| Period | Area | Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Low lying areas | Gusts of up to 45mph, a drop in temperatures and localised snowfall |
| Sunday | West coast, including the Western Isles | Wind speeds increasing, gusts estimated to hit 75mph |
| Early hours of Monday | Inner Hebrides and Argyll | Gusts of up to 75mph |
Mark Rough, Director of Customer Operations at SSEN, said the network had performed well during Storm Dudley with minimal disruption, and that engineers would be kept on standby1.
"In preparation for this further unsettled weather, we will continue to monitor weather forecasts, use our well-established resilience plans and keep our engineers on standby, ready to respond for our customers."
SSEN asked anyone who sees damaged equipment to keep a safe distance and report it by calling 105 or via its Power Track app, so that engineers can investigate as soon as possible1. It encouraged customers to save the emergency power cut number, 105, to their phone to report power cuts or damage to the electricity network, to download the Power Track app for details of power cuts and restoration times, to use its website for advice on dealing with a power cut, and to follow its social media accounts for updates1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers SSEN's north of Scotland region, with the strongest gusts forecast for the Western Isles on Sunday and for the Inner Hebrides and Argyll in the early hours of Monday1. Households in those areas could see disruption to electricity supplies, and SSEN's advice on reporting damage and power cuts, and on checking restoration times, applies to them1. Households preparing for high winds can find guidance in the guide to preparing your home and garden for high winds, and wider winter guidance in the storms and snow hub.
SSEN also set out who is eligible for its Priority Services Register: customers 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. More information is available from SSEN on 0800 294 32591.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor the weather as forecasts change and update its plans accordingly1.
Preparing for High Winds
