Electricity North West engineers continue to battle the elements to restore power to customers across the region.

The region’s power network operator has now restored supplies to 20,700 properties as strong winds continue to cause new power cuts in the region.

Engineers will continue to work into the night where it is safe to do so, with more engineers preparing to tackle the remaining faults from first light.

Access issues and high winds continue to hamper restoration efforts.

Paul Bircham, strategy director and incident manager for Electricity North West said: “As long as we can do it safely, we’ll continue to restore supplies into the night and have more engineers ready to start work at first light. In the past few hours we have seen a number of new power cuts caused by high winds, so while we continue to restore power in one area, further damage is being caused to the power network elsewhere.

“High winds and drifting snow are still making it difficult for engineers to access damaged overhead lines, and to climb poles to make repairs.

“Everyone can see just how difficult it is to move around the region at the moment and we’re doing all we can to access where we need to be. Thanks to the emergency services and local authorities for helping us get access to remote areas, and thank you to customers for their support for our teams on the ground too.”

Latest restoration numbers:

• 7,700 properties in Cumbria restored with 500 remaining
• 6,100 properties in Lancashire restored with 700 remaining
• 6,900 properties in the Peak District restored with 500 remaining.

If anyone hasn’t reported their power cut yet they should contact Electricity North West on 105, and follow their updates on social media.

Electricity North West has a free food van at the Toby Inn, Edgeworth, Bolton, and another en route to Wetehrall, Cumbria. Other vans have been unable to reach remote areas.

When all power cuts have been restored and the incident is over, Electricity North West will proactively notify customers who have been without electricity for more than 12 hours offering goodwill payments for the inconvenience of being without power.

Electricity North West offers extra support to customers through its Priority Services Register. Extra support is available to customers if they require it. Customers can register online by visiting www.enwl.co.uk/priority or calling Electricity North West on 105.

For advice on how to be prepared and stay safe please visit www.enwl.co.uk/power-cuts/dealing-with-power-cuts

To report a power cut please call the new national number 105, follow @ElectricityNW on Twitter or Facebook.