SCOTTISH Power engineers are working to restore power to customers as Storm Eowyn brought winds of almost 90mph - with 20,000 homes currently cut off.
Multiple repair teams have been mobilised although with a red warning still in place, safety remains the number one priority for staff.
Food vans are being mobilised and hotels are being offered to customers in urgent need of help.
A red weather warning will be in place until 5pm after it was extended to parts of southern Scotland with thousands of people across the country left without power.
It now covers as far south as Lockerbie although the timing of the warning has not changed.
In a post on Twitter/X, Police Scotland said: “Do not travel in Dumfries and Galloway. The red weather warning has been extended to cover the M74 and M75.
“Around 11,000 homes are without power in Dumfries and Galloway, and the A75 is closed due to a number of incidents.”
Aileen Rourke with SP Energy Networks, said: “With red and amber warnings issued across the country we moved teams and resources into place ahead of Storm Eowyn approaching and contacted vulnerable customers on our Priority Services Register to give support.
“We’ve seen wind speeds of almost 90mph with conditions remaining treacherous, hampering our ability to assess and repair damage. As soon as it is safe to do so, our engineers will be out in the field working to get the power back on for people as soon as we can.
“For those currently without power, please be certain we are doing everything we can to get you back on supply as soon as conditions allow. If you’re experiencing a power outage please report it to us by calling the free, national emergency helpline 105.”
As part of the red warning, the Met Office has said to expect the following:
- Flying debris resulting in danger to life
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes
- Very dangerous driving conditions with fallen trees on roads
- Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
Click HERE to view the SP Energy Networks website to find out all the areas which are currently facing power cuts.
