STORM AUSTEN: Early Hours Friday

With strong winds of over 70mph and heavy rain forecast across the South West and South and West Wales, National Grid Electricity Distribution has asked me to share some important advice with constituents ahead of Storm Austen.

While the electricity network is built to withstand challenging conditions, severe weather can cause damage to power lines and lead to power cuts.

Here’s how you can prepare:

• Keep a torch, a fully charged mobile phone and a power bank ready.

• Have a battery-powered or solar radio available, and keep some non-perishable food at home.

• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and family who may need extra help.

• If you or someone you know may need additional support during a power cut, sign up to National Grid’s free Priority Services Register: https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/

• Report a power cut by calling 105, available 24 hours a day.

• Check for power cuts in your area: https://powercuts.nationalgrid.co.uk/

National Grid has engineers ready to respond to any damage caused by the storm, with teams working around the clock to restore supplies safely if needed.

Please take a few minutes to prepare and keep up to date with weather forecasts.