Despite the difficult conditions teams from the network operator restored power to 16,000 homes overnight, with just 500 properties without power this morning. However, additional faults caused by continuous severe weather overnight has cut power to a further 1,500 customers.

These current faults include 238 customers in Leyland, 230 in Eskdale and 134 in Holmrook, both in Cumbria.

Mark Williamson, operations director for Electricity North West, said: “Our engineers have been out again at first light working in difficult conditions to restore power to the remaining customers.

“We were well prepared following the Met Office weather warning issued yesterday with additional engineers on standby and additional contact centre staff called in to help keep customers up to date with our progress.

“We’ll be working as safely and quickly as possible to restore the remaining customers, but we want to urge people to stay away from any fallen power lines and please report it to us straight away.

“I’d like to thank our customers for their patience and our engineers for their hard work as we continue to make progress. We are here 24 hours day seven days a week so please contact us if you need any advice or information.”

If you see power lines down please stay away and report it to Electricity North West on 0800 195 4141, or by calling the new national power cut number, 105.

Customers needing additional assistance, including some older or disabled people, or those with a medical dependency on electricity, can also sign up to the Priority Services Register by visiting www.enwl.co.uk/priority or contacting Electricity North West.

Follow @ElectricityNW or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk for updates.

Power cut advice and tips:
• Keep your freezer and fridge door closed to prevent defrosting
• Leave a light on so you know when power is restored
• Take care using candles
• Check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives
• Make sure electrical appliances, such as cookers, electric fires etc are turned off
• If you need any advice ring us 24/7 on 0800 195 4141 or 105

For more information about flood alerts click here and to keep up-to-date with the weather in your area visit the Met Office.