Northern Ireland Electricity Issues Update on Power Outages Post-Storm Darragh
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has issued a warning that approximately 46,000 customers have been left without power in the aftermath of Storm Darragh, with the possibility of this number increasing as the day progresses. The storm, which has triggered a Met Office Amber Alert, has caused extensive damage to the electricity network, resulting in widespread outages across the region.
The company released an update just before 7 am, indicating that 41,000 customers were initially affected. However, by 9 am, this number had risen to 46,000. The statement emphasized that the high winds accompanying Storm Darragh have led to significant destruction, including broken overhead power lines, fallen trees impacting lines, and damaged poles.
Assessment and Response
NIE Networks’ engineers are currently evaluating the extent of the damage in each affected area and deploying additional staff and equipment to the most critical locations. This comprehensive assessment process is expected to take several hours to complete, after which repair work will commence as soon as emergency crews can safely operate.
Enhanced Support and Communication
To address the escalating situation, NIE Networks has mobilized hundreds of extra personnel to reinforce its usual operational capacity. The Incident Management Centre in Craigavon has been activated, along with Local Incident Centres strategically positioned throughout Northern Ireland to facilitate a coordinated response by local teams.
A spokesperson for NIE Networks emphasized the importance of customer communication during this challenging period, highlighting the availability of additional call agents to address any queries related to the repair process in various areas. Customers experiencing power cuts are encouraged to report faults online or contact the NIE Networks Customer Helpline for assistance.
Precautionary Measures and Safety Tips
In light of the ongoing power outages, NIE Networks is reminding customers to observe precautionary measures to ensure their safety and well-being. These include refraining from approaching damaged power lines or poles, using generators cautiously to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and turning off electrical appliances when supply is disrupted.
Additionally, customers are advised to leave a light switched on to signal power restoration, exercise caution when using candles, test smoke alarms with fresh batteries, and maintain proper ventilation when using gas heaters. It is recommended that customers check their household fuses and trip switches before contacting NIE Networks if they have lost power supply.
Stay tuned for further updates as the weather situation continues to evolve.
**Random Humanizing Touch:**
Imagine waking up on a chilly morning, reaching for the coffee maker only to be met with silence. Your house is plunged into darkness, and you realize that you are one of the many affected by the power outages caused by Storm Darragh. In times like these, it’s not just about inconvenience; it’s about staying safe and informed. Remember to follow the safety tips provided and reach out to NIE Networks for assistance. Together, we can navigate through this challenging situation and emerge stronger on the other side. Stay safe, stay informed, and look out for one another.
