Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) issued a weather warning for central southern England on 7 March 2023, ahead of strong winds expected on Monday 13 March. The network operator said its current weather model showed gusts reaching 60mph in coastal areas through the course of Monday morning and afternoon1.
SSEN said it had enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing standby resources in anticipation of potential damage to its network, and that proactive contact was being made to Priority Service Register customers ahead of the weather arriving1. No specific areas, numbers of customers or estimated restoration times were given in the warning as published1.
"SSEN's current weather model shows the potential for strong winds across the region, with gusts reaching 60mph in coastal areas though the course of Monday morning and afternoon."
SSEN encouraged customers to prepare for the possibility of disruption to supplies. Its published advice was to save the emergency power cut number 105 to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network; to download its Power Track app for details of power cuts and restoration times and to report faults; to use its website for advice and its Webchat service; and to follow its Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates1.
SSEN's Priority Services Register provides extra help and support during a power cut. The company said customers are eligible for its free 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. More information is available on SSEN's website or by calling 0800 294 32591.
| Item | Detail given by SSEN1 |
|---|---|
| Warning issued | 7 March 2023 |
| Winds expected | Monday 13 March, morning and afternoon |
| Gust speed | Up to 60mph in coastal areas |
| Region | Central southern England |
| Preparations | Resilience plans enacted; standby resources increased; proactive contact with Priority Service Register customers |
| Reporting a loss of supply | Call 105; Power Track app |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers SSEN's network area in central southern England, with coastal parts facing the strongest gusts during Monday morning and afternoon1. Households there could see supplies interrupted if the winds damage overhead lines and other equipment. SSEN has increased its standby resources and is contacting customers on its Priority Services Register in advance, so those who rely on electricity for medical equipment or who meet the other eligibility criteria may already have been contacted1. The company's published advice centres on reporting any loss of supply on 105, checking restoration times through its Power Track app, and using its website and social media for updates1. Households can read more on storms and the electricity network, getting your home ready for a loss of supply and the Priority Services Register.
What happens next
SSEN said it would post regular updates on its Facebook and Twitter accounts as the weather arrived1. No further timetable for the warning, or for any restoration work, has been reported1.
Storms and the Electricity Grid
Getting Ready for a Power Cut
Power Cuts Household Guide
