Engineers from Electricity North West have restored power to more than 32,000 properties in Cumbria and north Lancashire since Storm Ali hit the North West yesterday.

More than 400 engineers have been mobilised to restore supplies to around 500 properties in North Lakes that remain without power.

Electricity North West has sent food vans to these areas in Appleby in Westmorland, Kirkby Stephen, Ireby and Calthwaite. The vans will be providing free hot food and drinks to people affected by the power cuts.

Mark Williamson, incident manager for Electricity North West, said: “Our engineers have battled some atrocious weather conditions and I’m really proud that we’ve been able to restore power to more than 32,000 properties since Storm Ali first battered our region yesterday.

“We know that around 500 properties remain without power in Cumbria and I would like to thank our customers for their patience and support as we concentrate our efforts on restoring their power supplies as soon as we possibly can.

“We are expecting more bad weather this afternoon to affect our region – with high winds and persistent heavy rain, which could have the potential to hamper our efforts. However, we’re doing everything we possibly can and won’t stop until every property has their power back on.”

Customers should visit www.enwl.co.uk/powercuts for more information, or follow Electricity North West on Facebook or Twitter. Customers can also call Electricity North West on 105 to report power cuts.

If customers see any lines down, or branches or debris hanging from lines, Electricity North West is urging them to stay away and call them as soon as possible on 105.

Electricity North West offers extra support to customers who need it through its Priority Services Register. 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.

Photo- Matterdale End, Penrith