Perthshire, Angus & Stirling Brace for ‘Extensive Prolonged Lightning’ and Potential Power Outages

Residents across Perthshire, Angus, and Stirling are being urged to prepare for two days of potentially widespread and prolonged lightning activity, as Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) issues an advisory for significant weather impacting power supplies. The utility provider has elevated its alert to a ‘weather warning status’, indicating a heightened likelihood of disruption from Wednesday through Thursday.
This ‘extensive prolonged lightning’ does not merely refer to occasional flashes but suggests a sustained period of intense electrical storm activity. For households and businesses in areas like Perth and Kinross, this could translate into more than just flickering lights. The sheer volume and duration of electrical discharges pose a tangible threat to the region’s energy infrastructure.
SSEN has explicitly warned that such widespread thunder and lightning could directly lead to electricity outages. While minor interruptions might be experienced in some areas, more severe strikes carry the risk of substantial damage. This includes critical components like overhead power lines, supporting poles, and essential equipment within substations and transformers. Damage of this nature typically results in more complex and time-consuming repairs, extending periods of disruption for affected communities.
The declaration of a ‘weather warning status’ signifies that SSEN is taking additional precautionary measures in response to the anticipated conditions. While specific details of their operational readiness are not disclosed, it implies a readiness to deploy response teams and monitor the network closely throughout the challenging weather period.
Given the diverse landscape of Perthshire and Kinross, ranging from bustling towns to more remote rural areas, residents in various settings could face challenges. Power lines traversing open countryside or dense woodland, common in this region, may be particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes and falling debris.
Should any loss of electricity supply occur, or if residents observe damage to the power infrastructure, it is crucial to report these incidents promptly. SSEN advises contacting them directly by dialling 105. Additionally, their dedicated online resource, the Power Track website, offers an alternative method for reporting issues and checking for updates on local power restoration efforts. Timely reporting assists SSEN crews in pinpointing affected areas and initiating repairs more efficiently.
Interestingly, this severe weather outlook from SSEN contrasts with the broader meteorological predictions from other forecasters. For instance, the Met Office’s outlook for Wednesday suggests predominantly clear skies across the area, with temperatures in Perth potentially soaring up to 29 degrees Celsius. This divergence in forecasts highlights the specific concerns SSEN holds regarding localised and intense lightning phenomena, even amidst generally fair weather predictions. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and consider SSEN’s specific warning given its direct relevance to their power supply.
As the region enters this period of potential electrical storms, preparing for unexpected power interruptions is advisable. Simple measures like ensuring mobile phones and power banks are fully charged, having battery-operated lighting available, and checking on vulnerable neighbours can make a significant difference. Staying informed through official channels and exercising caution during active lightning periods will be key to navigating the forecasted conditions safely.

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