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National
Sophie Finnegan

Northern Powergrid assures customers it is prepared for any disruption caused by Storms Dudley and Storm Eunice

Northern Powergrid has assured its customers that it is readily prepared for any disruption caused by Storms Dudley and Eunice.

Storm Dudley is expected to hit the North East on Wednesday and Thursday bringing a period of very "strong and disruptive winds" leading the Met Office to issue an amber weather warning.

Meanwhile, on Friday, a yellow weather warning has been issued as Storm Eunice brings another period of very strong winds and warned that power lines could be brought down.

Go here for the very latest news updates from across the North East

The energy firm said it expects the storms to create "levels of disruption that are over and above typical levels" and could potentially cause damage to its network.

However, the company has said its team will closely track the weather and ensured it has resources in place to respond if the storms impact the network.

A spokesperson for Northern Powergrid said: "We are aware that both storms carry a threat of gale force winds, forecast for our operating area from Wednesday evening, potentially causing damage to our network.

"We want to assure you that we closely track the weather and have ensured our resources are in place to respond if the storms impact our network.

A man battles against driving rain and high winds (2015 Getty Images)

"Our network control engineers have capability to restore power supplies remotely, switching electricity through alternative routes on our network wherever possible to get customers back on supply.

"In parallel our frontline workforce will be deployed to carry out local switching and repairs to restore power as safely and quickly as possible, conditions allowing.

"Our customer support vehicles 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.

"We will continue to track the forecast closely, as we always do. If the situation develops we will keep you updated by text (where we have your number) and email - Please keep an eye out for these updates."

Northern Powergrid said it will apply "lessons learnt from Storm Arwen" by giving longer estimates of likely restoration times if its teams don't know the extent of the damage.

Compensation is being paid to tens of thousands of customers who were left without power when the severe "once in a generation" winds swept across the UK in November last year.

The company continued: "We expect that the storm will create levels of disruption that are over and above typical levels. If it does, we will be applying the lessons learnt from Storm Arwen in relation to keeping customers updated on our progress.

"In the early stages, we will give longer estimates of likely restoration times that reflect the fact that we won't know the extent of the damage to the network.

"During that time, we will expect to get a lot of supplies restored by reconfiguring the network, but we will not yet know which customers are affected by damage that needs physical repair to restore supplies.

"In those early stages, we will be working hard to assess the damage so that we can provide more precise updates as the situation unfolds."

If you do lose power, you can report your power cut online at www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts or take a look at the company's 24/7 social media feeds on Facebook and Twitter (@NorthPowergrid).

Anyone who spots any damaged overhead power lines or other equipment should not approach the area and should report it immediately by calling 105 where advisors can provide information, advice, and support.

If you have a disability, medical condition, or very young family, who may need greater assistance during a power cut and have signed up to the Priority Services Membership, you will be updated as a priority.

If you require further support, you can contact its dedicated priority service line on 0800 169 2996.

You can also find some useful hints and tips on what to do during a power cut on its website at www.northernpowergrid.com/what-to-do-in-a-power-cut

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