Storm Darragh hits NIE grid as more than 40,000 'customers' left without power

Northern Ireland Electricity is warning that around 41,000 customers have lost power due to Storm Darragh “but this number could rise”.

In an update issued just before 7am the power company said the Storm, which has sparked a Met Office Amber Alert, has “caused widespread damage to the electricity network”. Extra staff have been drafted in to try and get people back on the grid, they say.

The statement says: “High Winds brought by Storm Darragh have caused widespread damage to the electricity network in Northern Ireland. At present approximately 41,000 customers are without power but this number could rise as the morning progresses.

Read more: Storm Darragh LIVE: Christmas market and some parks closed as warning in force

Damage includes broken overhead power lines, fallen trees across lines, broken poles.

“NIE Networks’ engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage in each area affected and deploying staff and equipment to where they are most needed. This process will take several hours to complete. Repair work will begin as soon as it is safe for emergency crews to do so.”

A spokesperson for NIE Networks added: “Hundreds of extra staff have been brought in to help reinforce our normal capability. Our Incident Management Centre at Craigavon has been opened, as have our Local Incident Centres which are in locations across Northern Ireland and used by our teams to co-ordinate our localised response.

“We have mobilised additional call agents to deal with any queries customers may have regarding the repair process in their area. We would like to remind customers that if they should experience a power cut they can report the fault online at www.nienetworks.co.uk or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643. Customers can also follow us on social media for regular updates.”

NIE Networks is also reminding customers of the ‘precautionary measures’ to take in the event of a power cut:

* Never approach broken overhead power lines or damaged poles and keep children and animals away. Report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643.

* If you are using a generator, be careful where you site it in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost.

* Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored.

* Take extra care if using candles.

* Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries.

* Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.

Customers who have lost supply should first find out if their neighbours are also without power and check household fuses and trip switches before contacting NIE Networks.

Further updates will be issued as the weather situation unfolds.

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