TEAMS at Western Power Distribution (WPD) are getting ready for the two named storms that are due to arrive this week - with the first of them, Storm Dudley, due in this evening (Wednesday) and then Storm Eunice following hot on its heels on Friday.

Between them the two storms are forecast to bring a period of unsettled weather with strong winds and the potential of heavy rain with snow on high ground across the UK. Storm Dudley is expected to bring strong winds mainly to the north of the country from this evening through to Thursday morning.

Storm Eunice is expected to follow soon after, bringing strong winds and showers across many parts of Western Power Distribution’s (WPD) region - including Cornwall and Devon - throughout Friday and into Saturday morning. This has the potential to bring disruption to the network.

Operations Director Graham Halladay says: “We know that storm conditions can be a worrying time for our customers, so we have put a range of measures in place to ensure we’re ready for any impact on the electricity network. Preparations will be in place so that, whatever the weather, we can work to restore power supplies quickly and safely for you if they are disrupted.”

In particular, WPD has:

· Additional operational and engineering staff ready and on stand-by to respond to any network issues

· Additional Contact and control centre operatives available to manage the electricity network and to help customers with their enquiries

· Put arrangements in place to open offices early as required.

· Preparations to operate 24/7 in support of operational field staff (e.g. IT, communications).

· Home workers are available to assist throughout the business and ramp up rooms are on standby to open if necessary.

· Helicopters available to fly and identify badly affected areas to hasten repairs if safe to do so from first light.

· Planned work will be cancelled as appropriate.

There are also preparations members of the public can take to prepare for any disruption these storms cause:

1. Keep WPD’s telephone number (105 or 0800 6783 105) handy or save it in your mobile phone so you can report a power cut or call for information and advice.

2. Keep a battery/solar charger handy so that you can recharge your smart phone or tablet and follow updates on social media, WPD’s online power cut map or Power Cut Reporter app.

3. Keep your freezer shut – depending on the type of freezer you have, the contents could stay frozen for up to 12 hours this way if there is a power cut.

4. Check that you have a phone available that will work in a power cut – digital or cordless ones may not work.

5. Have things like a torch or lantern ready (it is best not to use candles or paraffin lights).

6. Protect sensitive electrical equipment such as computers with a surge protector plug.

7. If you have a mains-operated stair lift, check to see if there is a manual release handle that can be used to return it safely to ground level if it stops working.

If you experience a power cut or spot anything dangerous which may affect the electricity network, please contact WPD anytime by these methods:

Phone: 105 or 0800 6783 105

Twitter: @wpduk

Power Cut Reporter App – Available on iTunes or Google Play

All of WPD’s contact details can be found https://www.westernpower.co.uk/contact-us

For its most vulnerable customers, WPD also provide additional support during a power cut. Click https://www.westernpower.co.uk/customers-and-community/priority-services for more information about WPD’s Priority Services Register.

Weather forecast for the rest of this week:-

Wednesday, February 16:

South West England –Storm Dudley will pass north of the region but will bring showers and strong winds as it passes. Winds will increase during the late morning and afternoon, reaching a peak gust of 45-55mph. These will then decrease overnight.

South Wales –Storm Dudley will pass north of the region but will bring showers and strong winds as it passes through. Wind gusts are expected to reach 50-60mph in the afternoon and evening, with the strongest of the winds being in coastal areas. These conditions will decrease slightly overnight.

Midlands –Storm Dudley will track through Scotland late into the day and into the North Sea overnight. This will bring showers and strong winds as it passes. Showers and wind are expected to increase during the afternoon and into the evening, with peak gusts expecting to reach 55-60mph.

Thursday 17 February:

South West England –Showery conditions will continue in the morning, afternoon and early evening. Gusty winds will continue through the day with gusts near 40-45mph and 50mph at times. Winds will weaken in the evening and then increase again late at night.

South Wales –Showery conditions will continue in the morning, afternoon and early evening. Winds will weaken in the evening and will increase late at night with peak gusts reaching 60mph along exposed coastal areas.

Midlands –Storm Dudley will depart early with lingering gusty winds. Mostly dry through Thursday with a few isolated showers in the early evening. Gusty winds will occur Thursday morning and into the afternoon. Wind gusts may reach 45-55 mph, which will be strongest in eastern areas in the morning. Winds will weaken in the afternoon but increase again overnight.

Friday 18 February:

South West England –Storm Eunice will pass north of the region, bringing very strong winds and showers. Showers will continue through Friday morning and afternoon before tapering to spotty showers late in the afternoon/early evening and overnight. Very strong winds will develop, peaking in the afternoon with gusts likely to reach 65-75mph. These will weaken Friday evening and overnight.

South Wales –Storm Eunice will pass through the region, bringing very strong winds and showers. Showers will continue through Friday but taper into the evening. Winds will increase Friday morning and early afternoon, reaching 70-80mph. These will weaken overnight.

Midlands - Storm Eunice is expected to bring strong winds through the region on Friday morning and weaken into the evening. Wind gusts are expecting to reach 60-75mph across the region. Showers will continue throughout Friday morning and afternoon before tapering late into the evening.

Saturday 19 February:

South West England– Winds and showers will arrive in the afternoon and may continue in northern areas in the evening and night. Winds will weaken overnight.

South Wales– Showers will arrive in the morning and may continue in northern areas in the evening and night. Winds may occur in the afternoon but will weaken overnight.

Midlands –Dry weather is expected Saturday morning, showers will arrive late afternoon but taper into the evening.