Engineers have successfully restored 2,400 customers since the severe weather hit at around midnight last night causing damage to overhead power lines due to fallen trees and flying debris and making it difficult for engineers to climb.

They will continue to work around the clock to restore power to the remaining 247 customers in Wigton, Broughton-in-Furness and Eaglesfield today.

The weather is set to continue until tomorrow afternoon (6 December) and Electricity North West, the region’s power operator, has extra engineers and call centre advisors to help keep the lights on, repair any potential damage and answer customer enquiries.

Electricity North West Systems Manager, Chris Fox, said: “We’re still closely monitoring the weather and we are doing everything we can to get power supplies restored to the 200 customers in Cumbria as quickly as possible.

“We work hard throughout the year maintaining and upgrading the network, but unfortunately overhead power lines can be damaged by flying debris and fallen trees in high winds.

“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 immediately on 0800 195 4141.

Vulnerable customers, 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 on 0800 195 4141.

To report a power cut please call 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk.

Customer numbers:
• Wigton: 180 off at peak, restored 108 with 72 remaining
• Broughton-in-Furness: 100 off at peak, restored 81 with 19 remaining
• Eaglesfield in Cockermouth: 700 off at peak, restored 607 with 93 remaining
• Rochdale: 1,500 off at peak all restored at 2am
• Penrith: 140 off at peak all restored at 9pm
• Crosby Green in Carlisle: 10 customers off and all restored at 8pm

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

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