Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) moved to Weather Warning status on 21 November 2024 ahead of Storm Bert, which it said would bring a period of severe weather through Saturday 23 November and into Sunday 24 November1. The network said the forecast covered much of its distribution areas in the north of Scotland and central southern England1.
SSEN's weather model showed a 24-hour period of heavy rain and high winds, with wind gusts predicted to reach up to 52mph across some inland areas and in excess of 60mph along coastal regions1. The network said it was activating its contingency plans and bringing in additional teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults, which may interrupt customers' power supplies1. It was also contacting vulnerable customers ahead of the severe weather, sending out some 750,000 text messages to people listed on its Priority Services Register1.
"We're moving to Weather Warning status ahead of Storm Bert which brings a period of severe weather through Saturday 23 November and into Sunday."
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. It said all its priority services are free, and gave the number 0800 294 3259 for finding out more1.
| Item | Detail given by SSEN1 |
|---|---|
| Warning status | Weather Warning, announced 21 November 2024 |
| Period | Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 November 2024 |
| Areas | North of Scotland and central southern England distribution areas |
| Inland gusts | Up to 52mph in some areas |
| Coastal gusts | In excess of 60mph |
| Customer texts | Some 750,000 to Priority Services Register customers |
| Emergency power cut number | 105 |
| Priority Services Register enquiries | 0800 294 3259 |
Why it matters for households
Households in the affected parts of the north of Scotland and central southern England could see their power supplies interrupted if the forecast winds and rain damage the network, from Saturday 23 November into Sunday 24 November1. SSEN said it was bringing in additional teams to deal with any damage and subsequent faults1.
SSEN encouraged customers to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to supplies by saving the emergency power cut number, 105, to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network, and by visiting its Power Track website for details of power cuts and restoration times, where power cuts and network damage can also be reported1. It asked anyone who sees damage to its equipment to stay back, not touch it, and report it by calling 105 or via Power Track, so engineers can investigate as soon as possible1. It also pointed customers to the "Preparing for a power cut" section of its website and to its Webchat service, and said it would post regular updates on Facebook (ssencommunity)1.
Households likely to need extra help during a power cut can check whether they qualify for the Priority Services Register under the criteria above; SSEN said registering helps it to help customers when they need it most, and that the services are free1.
What happens next
SSEN said it would continue to monitor Storm Bert closely as it develops and would issue further updates depending on the forecast1. No further update dates have been reported.
For households preparing, the guide to preparing your home and garden for high winds covers securing outdoor items before gusts arrive, and the storms and snow hub collects related guidance. Where severe weather leads to local disruption, the guide to council help in severe weather explains the support councils may provide, including bins, care and support.
Preparing for High Winds
