Energy network sends out warning about Storm Darragh

SP Energy Networks has sent out a warning about the possible effects of Storm Darragh on the local electricity supply system as it heads towards the UK.  

The warning note was sent to all county councillors in Denbighshire this morning (Friday) and Llangollen councillor Karen Edwards has passed it on to llanblogger. It reads@

"The Met Office has issued RED weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain as Storm Darragh heads towards the UK this weekend.

"Bad weather is expected from 5th - 8th December and could affect some of our operational areas. Whilst Power cuts are rare, we have extra teams working both now and over the weekend to support any faults that may come in.

"To help us keep your communities safe, we’ve drafted in additional resources internally – from postponing planned works and redirecting the teams to be on standby, to preparing contractors who support us with digging and tree felling.

"We understand from the latest weather reports that we’ll see Storm Darragh approach this afternoon. Widespread gusts up to 50-65 mph, and very strong gusts up to 65-75 mph possible across exposed coastal areas.  A brief period of gusts up to 75-80 mph may develop around dawn Saturday for western coastal areas. No lightning is expected.  These strong gusts are expected to stay with us until around 12:00 Saturday.  

"We will have our local Emergency Action Control Rooms open and ready to respond to events as they unfold."

"How you can help your constituents – remind them to be prepared for a power cut:

1. Have the national 105 emergency helpline on hand – it’s best to keep this on the fridge or saved in the contacts on your mobile phone. Report any power cuts immediately.

2. Store a battery or wind-up torch – leave this somewhere you can access easily so you can use the torch to check on the fuse box and make your way around the house safely.

3. Beware of fallen power lines – power lines may have fallen because of heavy snow so beware of this when venturing out of your home. Always treat them as live and report them right away by calling 105.

4. Keep your mobile charged – having your mobile phone charged means you can give us a call on the national 105 emergency helpline. It’s also worth having an analogue phone as this doesn’t run off the main electricity supply.

5. Keep the heat in – if your power does go out, your heating might not work so keep extra blankets nearby and close window shutters, blinds, or curtains to help keep the heat in.

If you have a power cut, call 105 to report it and we will keep you updated by text or voice alert messaging whilst our engineers are working to restore your power. We also have a Priority Services Register for customers who may need extra support in a power cut. Find out more here.

Click here for the latest information and updates about known power cuts in your area or visit our Twitter channel @spenergynetwork.

Remember: If there are cables on or near the ground, please keep clear of them. These may still be live and able to conduct electricity through damp ground or metallic objects. If they are in roads or on footpaths, firstly dial 999, please stay on site if you can, tell the police and help keep passers-by well away, then also call us to advise and we will dispatch a team."