Storm Babet: Northern Powergrid and Coastguard prepared to help the North East
There is forecast of heavy rain and wind
Last updated 20th Oct 2023
Northern Powergrid say they are ready and prepared in the event of power outages as a result of Storm Babet.
The Met Office has put out a yellow weather warning for heavy rain and wind across the region until Saturday morning.
Northern Powergrid says there could be a potential impact on the electricity network which could disrupt power supplies. If needed, they will continue to keep people updated via their website, social media and text messages.
Louise Lowes, head of customer services at Northern Powergrid, said: "We're very prepared as we always are when we have a weather warning; in terms of preparing resources so we're able to respond and also from a customer service point of view. We have already on the back of the warnings for Storm Babet gone out and communicated with our customers via email and text messages to our vulnerable customers.
"We could go from very small scale power cuts which are easily manageable in line with our every day activity to more widespread power cuts. I think with Storm Babet there's more of a risk of flooding with a lot of rain forecast to come in, so we're preparing from that perspective as well."
The company added: "For Priority Services customers, we will ensure those affected receive the extra help they need and peace of mind if there is a power cut and we will contact you to let you know the time your power is likely to be back on, and of any additional help they may be able to provide. We can contact you regardless of the time of day, or night, by text message if we have a mobile phone number for you, or by calling you if we only have a landline number for you.
"Our customer support vehicles and welfare partners are also prepped and ready to go out into local communities, where possible, to offer help on the ground to those who need it most. If you come across someone you feel needs to be registered, they can contact our dedicated priority service line 0800 169 2996."
If you have been impacted by a power cut and have online access - report your power cut online and stay online to get updates. If you don’t have online access, please call Northern Powergrid on 105. Customers can also report a power cut via WhatsApp on 0191 687 22 54 - available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
If you need additional support on how to be prepared, visit the Northern Powergrid website.
Power cut advice and tips include:
• bookmark Northern Powergrid’s online power cut map and reporting service on your mobile devices |newtab).
• have a charged mobile phone with important numbers, including 105 the new, free national power cut phone line, easily accessible.
• turn off electrical appliances at the socket (this is particularly important for heating or cooking appliances as your power could be restored at any time and potentially cause a safety hazard)
• keep one light switched on so you know when power is restored
• keep a battery or wind-up torch handy – they’re much safer than candles
• check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives
• ensure you have warm clothing and blankets handy and some food and drink in your home that does not require electricity to heat or prepare it
• only call 999 in the event of an emergency.
Coastguard also prepared
The Coastguard in the North East are telling people totake care if they do decide to go out and about during Storm Babet.
Adam Turner, senior coastal officer, said: "We know that the storm is going to bring some fairly hazardous conditions to our coastal areas. There's potentially going to be high tides, there's going to be waves breaking and spray. If you do decide to go out please do check the weather and the tides, wear appropriate footwear and clothing for that activity.
"We do have high waters and that could potentially lead to overtopping waves and being cut off by the tide at the bottom of cliffs. If you do find yourself in the water, lay on your back and be like a starfish, conserve your energy and wait for help. If you're walking along and you do see someone in the water, please don't try and enter but dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
"If you do take your dog out with you, please do keep it on the lead at the coast, especially near our cliff edges. If they do get stuck on a ledge or if they get swept out into the sea, please don't go after them. Most dogs can make it back safely but unfortunately you might not. People often put themselves in danger when attempting a rescue for their pet.
"Cliffs can be more unstable than they look. Cliff falls and landslides can happen without warning, especially with the really heavy rain we're expecting over the next couple of days. Please do take note and adhere to local warning signs. The cliffs along the North East coastline are continously erroding so please stay away from them."