Strong winds and intermittent lightning today risks power cuts in the Western Isles.
The electricity distribution network in the islands and north of Scotland stood up well to Storm Barbara, which brought wind speeds of over 90mph and lightning strikes.
As of 9am this morning, engineers have restored power to more than 21,000 homes, said Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
Only 762 customers remained off supply across the north of Scotland, in localised faults on Lewis, Jura and Shetland.
Power was restored through the day though other localised power cuts appeared.
The Western Isles was most affected by Storm Barbara when a lightning strike resulted in a loss of power for around 13,000 homes and businesses on Lewis and Harris.
Supplies were quickly restored in stages with all homes reconnected within two hours.
Dale Cargill, SSEN’s customer operations director, said: for SSEN, said: “We are acutely aware of the time of year and the increasing concern this brings and would like to reassure our customers we will be doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.
“Any customers who do suffer a loss of power can contact us on the new national power cut helpline – 105 – where they can also advise if they require extra support from our priority service.”
Electricity network holds up well to Storm Barbara
24 December 2016