POWER CUT CHAOS AS THREE-DAY STORM SWEEPS IN
Warnings
POWER cuts added to the weather chaos battering large parts of the country yesterday with trains, airports and traffic lights all hit.
A surge on the National Grid sparked a “major incident” affecting a million people across the South-east, Midlands, South-west and Wales.
Thousands of homes were affected, including large parts of London and the South-east – just as downpours soaked commuters heading home.
Train services in and out of London were plunged into chaos. Traffic lights in the capital were also experiencing problems and the Victoria Line on the Underground was suspended.
With more wind and rain on the way today, forecasters advised people to batten down the hatches and prepare for a three-day storm.
Yellow warnings for wind and rain have been issued for most of the country. Around an inch of rain is due to fall in a few hours today in the worst affected areas.
Tomorrow the warnings cover only northern England, where thunderstorms are likely, before conditions ease on Monday.
Yesterday Western Power Distribution, the electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, South-west and Wales, said: “We are currently experiencing a major incident on the national electricity infrastructure.”
A National Grid spokesman said last night: “We experienced issues with two power generators causing loss of power in selected UK areas. The issue is now resolved and the system has returned to normal.”
Forecasters have predicted winds of up to 60mph and heavy rain will sweep the nation bringing floods and further travel chaos.
Neil Armstrong, chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: “This low-pressure system will bring challenging conditions, including unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain. Summer storms, compared with those in autumn and winter, always have the potential to create additional impacts because more people are likely to be outdoors, especially by the coast.
“Additionally with trees in full leaf they are more vulnerable to being brought down by strong winds.”
The storm prompted dozens of festivals to cancel early.The first day of the Blackpool Air Show today was a victim as organisers decided to pull the plug over safety fears.