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Uist powercuts       30/1/13

Meanwhile, many villages in South Uist are without power this lunchtime. Part of North Uist is also affected.

Griminish and Howmore areas in Uist were affected last night and hydro engineers were able to restored supplies there later.

SSE had strategically placed extra engineers, landrovers and equipment in advance of the storm in locations particularly liable to damage.

A SSE spokesperson urged people to keep a safe distance from any fallen poles or wires and to contact its emergency line on 0800 300 999.

A number of low-lying coastal roads and causeways were dangerous due to breaking waves and were shut by police last night. People had been advised not to travel unless their journey was essential.

The main Stornoway to Harris road was blocked for a period after a lorry skidded off the road and got bogged down last night.