Engineers from Electricity North West have been responding to power cuts throughout the night with many more teams on standby as Storm Arwen sweeps across the region.

Highs winds hit the region overnight which caused damage to the overhead electricity network, as well as falling trees blocking roads causing delays to engineers reaching equipment to make repairs.

The weather caused 69,000 properties to lose power overnight, with engineers having restored 37,600 by 7:30am Saturday morning. As repairs are made further damage and power cuts in other areas are expected due to the continuing high winds.

Wind speeds topped 60mph overnight made conditions unsafe for engineers to climb electricity poles to repair damage in many areas.

As well as continually monitoring the weather, Electricity North West was well prepared with more than 70 extra engineers on standby overnight ready to respond.

Clive Wilkinson, Operations Director at Electricity North West said: “Last night's conditions were treacherous and extremely severe with debris and falling trees damaging a large number of overhead powerlines, mainly in Cumbria and Lancashire.  

“The Met Office’s weather warnings remain in place as do our teams on the ground to respond to any ongoing issues or new damage to the network.

“If anybody sees any damage to overhead lines or electricity equipment, please stay away as it could be dangerous, and report it to us immediately by calling 105.”

You can view live power cut information in the region on Electricity North West’s website at www.enwl.co.uk/powercuts, get in touch on Twitter or Facebook, or by calling for free on 105 from any phone.

Electricity North West offers extra support to customers through its Priority Services Register. For more information and to register visit www.enwl.co.uk/priority.

Customers can stay safe and prepare themselves in the event of potential power cuts by following the simple advice here www.enwl.co.uk/power-cuts/helpful-tips.