Power company on yellow alert
Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) has moved to Yellow Alert after closely monitoring the development of Storm Gertrude which is forecast to hit Scotland overnight.
According to SHEPD, weather models anticipate wind speeds of in excess of 100 mph across Orkney and Shetland.
Engineers have been moved to the areas expected to be hit by the storm and 400 frontline and support staff are standing by, say SHEPD. Mobile generators and other resources are also being moved.
SHEPDÂ suggest that its network is resilient in these weather conditions but in anticipation of possible disruption to power supplies, would encourage customers to be prepared. According to SHEPD this can be done by:
• Saving the SHEPD number 0800 300 999 to phones and to contacting them if the power goes off or if damage occurs to the network
• Downloading the SHEPD Power Track app which gives details of power cuts and restoration times
• Going to the SHEPD Ready for Winter pages where there is advice and information on how to prepare for a possible loss of power.
• Follow SHEPD on Facebook and Twitter (@hydroPD)
SHEPD also encourage members of the public not to approach fallen or damaged power lines, which may still be live.
Dale Cargill, director of SHEPD said: “If anybody has concerns for their own safety, or the welfare of their friends and family before or during the storm we would encourage them to contact us and we’ll do everything we can to help them.”