Red alert given for Storm Gertrude

January 29, 2016 at 10:08 am

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) is now operating at red alert as Storm Gertrude batters much of Scotland.

According to SHEPD, the Northern Isles are expected to face wind speeds of more than 100mph today while the Western Isles, Skye and North West Highlands are facing gusts of up to 90mph. Blizzards and lightning are expected to add to the conditions facing engineering and technical teams.

In Orkney, SHEPD are reporting no faults at present, but expect the worst of the storm to hit the county at midday today.

In anticipation of possible disruption to power supplies, SHEPD are encouraging their customers to be prepared. This can done by:

Saving their number – 0800 300 999 – to your phone and to contact them if your power goes off, or if you see any damage to their network.
Downloading their Power Track app to get details of power cuts and restoration times.
Going to their Ready For Winter pages where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to prepare for a possible loss of power.
Following them on Facebook (Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution) and Twitter (@hydroPD)