In Cumbria, hundreds of homes and businesses are enduring a second day without power amid freezing temperatures after a severe blizzard inflicted significant damage on the energy infrastructure.
The snowstorm, one of the heaviest in years, led to the closure of over 50 schools across the region and left more than 500 properties preparing for a third night without electricity.
The British Red Cross has stepped in to assist those affected, distributing hot drinks, food, and blankets. Although temperatures in Cumbria rose above freezing on Monday, the wind chill made it feel much colder.
The British Red Cross delivers essentials as power outages continue amid treacherous winter weather.Electricity North West aims to restore power to 99% of customers by the end of Monday, though some may remain without power until late Tuesday. Up to 30 cm of snow has damaged power lines, with new extensive damage reported in remote areas.
Engineers have been grappling with treacherous conditions to repair the network in some of England’s most isolated areas. Electricity North West’s customer director, Stephanie Trubshaw, assured that efforts are being made to restore power as swiftly as possible.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice in northern Scotland and anticipates heavy rain on England’s east coast.
The severe weather has left over 7,000 properties without power, prompted a major incident declaration, and caused many to spend the night in emergency shelters after abandoning their vehicles. Scattered showers are expected to diminish, with snow likely confined to Scottish mountains by week’s end.