THE REGION'S power network operator Electricity North West is on hand and prepared for the second named storm of the season Storm Brian this weekend.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind for today between 4am and midnight with gales of up to 55mph in Cumbria, Lancashire and along the coast.

In response, Electricity North West has drafted in extra engineers and call centre agents to help keep the power on, repair any potential damage caused by Storm Brian and help customers 24/7.

Chris Fox, a networks systems manager for Electricity North West, said: “Just this week we experienced the impact of severe weather on the power network with ex-hurricane Ophelia on Tuesday.

“Our engineers worked incredibly hard to repair the damage and restore power to 25,000 customers as quickly as possible and we are again fully prepared for Storm Brian tomorrow.

“We are taking extra measures and we have extra engineers and call centre staff on standby and ready to act when required.

“If customers do see any damage to our overhead power lines please stay away and report it to us on the free national power cut number, 105.

“We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if customers need any help or advice.”

Electricity North West offers extra support to customers through their Priority Services Register. Extra support is available to customers if they require it. Customers can register online by visiting www.enwl.co.uk/priority or contacting Electricity North West on the new national number 105 or 0800 195 4141.

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

To report a power cut please call the new national number 105, follow Electricity North West on Twitter or Facebook, or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk.