SSEN Distribution has said it is prepared for Storm Antoni, which its weather model shows bringing a short period of unsettled weather to central southern England on Saturday 5 August1. The network operator said heavy rain and wind gusts are expected to move across the Ridgeway and Wessex areas from around 1pm, with wind speeds forecast to reach up to 55mph along the coastline through the afternoon and early evening1.
Both rain and wind are forecast to clear by 10pm, according to SSEN's current model1. The company said adverse weather has the potential to cause interruption to power supplies, and that it has additional teams resourced and in place to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults1.
"SSEN Distribution is reassuring its customers that it's well prepared for Storm Antoni, which is expected to bring a short period of unsettled weather in central southern England on Saturday 5 August."
| Area | Timing | Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Ridgeway and Wessex | From around 1pm | Heavy rain and wind gusts |
| Coastline | Afternoon and early evening | Wind speeds up to 55mph |
| All affected areas | By 10pm | Rain and wind forecast to clear |
SSEN asked customers who see damage to its equipment to stay back, not touch it, and report it by calling 105 or via the Power Track App, so engineers can investigate as soon as possible1. It also encouraged customers to save the emergency power cut number, 105, to their phone to report loss of supply or damage to the electricity network, and to use its Power Track website for details of power cuts and restoration times and to report faults1.
Why it matters for households
Households across the Ridgeway and Wessex areas and along the coastline may see power supplies interrupted during Saturday afternoon and early evening, with conditions forecast to clear by 10pm1. SSEN said customers are eligible for its Priority Services Register 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 directs customers to the "Preparing for a power cut" section of its website and its webchat service for advice1. The site's storms and snow hub covers wider household preparation for severe weather.
What happens next
SSEN's model forecasts rain and wind to clear by 10pm on Saturday 5 August1. The company said additional teams are in place to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults1. No further warnings or updates beyond this forecast have been reported.
