Storm Barra Barrels Towards Britain

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As we anticipated yesterday, Storm Barra has been officially named by Met Éireann even though the remaining power cuts due to Storm Arwen have yet to be repaired:

Here is the Met Office’s current high wind warning for Tuesday:

and here is the current GFS wind gust forecast for early Wednesday morning:

We anticipate more power cuts across Ireland as well as here in Cornwall and further afield across the United Kingdom.

Here is ESB Networks’ view of the calm before Storm Barra:

[Edit – December 7th 09:00]

The rain from Storm Barra has recently arrived here in South West England:

Meanwhile the strongest gusts of wind are arriving in South West Ireland:

Here is the current Electricity Supply Board power cut map for Ireland:

[Edit – December 7th 14:00]

The distribution grid in Eire has borne the brunt of Storm Barra’s destruction thus far today:

However Northern Ireland is suffering as well:

On the mainland a few power cuts are also popping up in SSEN’s southern region:

SPEN’s power cut map for their ManWeb region currently includes lots of outages that have already been repaired, but the list view reveals several new ones as well. This is page 6, with 10 incidents per page:

[Edit – December 7th 17:00]

Here is a satellite image of Storm Barra earlier this afternoon:

Here too is this evening’s selection of Storm Barra power cut maps:

[Edit – December 8th 09:00]

Eire has suffered the majority of the power cuts caused by Storm Barra so far, so let’s start this morning’s overview with the ESB map:

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks have managed to repair their initial faults:

The Scottish Power maps include already repaired faults, and so are somewhat misleading:

However viewing current faults in a list reveals several recent ones awaiting repair. This is page 10:

Further north SSEN’s network has suffered much less damage than during Storm Arwen:

WPD, UKPN and SSEN’s southern network have no lingering faults from Storm Barra, but the same cannot be said for Northern Powergrid:

Viewing their power outages in a list reveals several still outstanding that date back to Storm Arwen:

Finally, for the moment at least, here is the Met Office’s Euro 4 surface wind gust forecast earlier today:

[Edit – December 9th 13:00]

Earlier today ESB Networks reported that they had “8,000 customers who remain without power “.

Here is their current power cut map, but note that the “clusters” don’t distinguish between current power cuts and recently repaired faults:

Here too is the current Northern Powergrid power cut map, which does distinguish between current power cuts and recently repaired faults:

They appear to still have a couple of unrepaired power outages dating back to the passage of Storm Arwen:

[Edit – December 10th]

ESB Networks haven’t issued a further statement regarding the last few post Storm Barra power cuts that still needed repairing overnight. However their power cut map is looking a lot better today:

Remember that the “clusters” include recently repaired faults as well as existing ones.

[Edit – December 11th]

Finally all the assorted power cut maps have returned to something approaching normality:

However more strong winds are forecast. Overnight for northwest Scotland, and then this in the Met Office Euro4 surface wind gust forecast for Sunday evening:

Watch this space!

34 thoughts on “Storm Barra Barrels Towards Britain”

  4. The current UK Met Office synopsis shows the future Storm Barra as an innocuous looking 1019 hPa MSLP low in the bottom left of the chart:

    However all the models agree he will look much more worrisome in 36 hours or so:

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  6. In their 2 PM report on preparations for the arrival of Storm Barra tomorrow Western Power Distribution report that:

    As Storm Barra is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, we have put a range of measures in place to ensure we’re ready for any impact on the electricity network.

    Weather forecast
    Tuesday 7th December

    South West England

    A deep low pressure approaches into Tuesday, bringing a strong frontal boundary across the network through much of the day and into the evening.

    Primary threats associated with the front are moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, and a low chance of lightning. Wind gusts of 50-60 mph could be possible along the cold front, peaking from the mid-morning through the afternoon, especially along exposed coastal areas where gusts upwards of 60-65 mph will be possible. Winds could be 5-10mph higher in the uplands in the afternoon.

    Rain will largely clear up overnight, however, some a few scattered showers will remain possible as winds slowly ease below hazardous thresholds.

    South Wales

    A more robust low pressure system will approach, bringing with it a strong frontal boundary across the network from mid Monday morning lingering through to the early evening.

    Primary threats accompanying this frontal boundary is moderate rain, strong winds, and a low risk of lightning. Widespread wind gusts from 50-60 mph are possible throughout the day, peaking along the cold front from the late morning through the afternoon, with gusts upwards of 60-65 mph across more exposed coastal areas. Winds could be 5-10mph higher in the uplands in the afternoon.

    Showers become scattered to isolated overnight, as winds slowly ease.

    West Midlands

    Showers will develop through Tuesday morning as a deep low pressure approaches from the west, bringing a strong cold front across the network with the risk of light/moderate rain, gusty winds, and low risk of lightning through the afternoon and evening. Front will pass as showers become isolated into the overnight. Winds increase to widespread gusts from 40-50 mph throughout the day and evening before easing past midnight. Winds could be 5-10 mph higher in the uplands through the afternoon and evening.

    East Midlands

    Dry through much of Tuesday morning before a deep low pressure will approach from the west, bringing a strong cold front that will sweep across the network through the afternoon and evening. Expect light/moderate rain, blustery winds, and a low risk of lightning along the front.

    Conditions look to clear up into the overnight. Widespread wind gusts from 40-50 mph are expected through the afternoon and evening with a few gusts upwards of 55 mph across more exposed coastal areas of Lincolnshire. Winds could be 5-10 mph higher in the uplands through the afternoon and evening.

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  7. In their first Storm Barra Adverse Weather Warning at 2:30 PM today Scottish Power Energy Networks state that:

    Storm Barra is expected to hit parts of the UK tomorrow with heavy snow, high winds and heavy rain expected. Arwen brought winds of over 90mph which has caused some of the worst network damage we’ve experienced in over 25 years.

    The MET office has issued snow and wind warnings from 11am – 11.59pm on Tuesday 7 December.

    In our Scottish area, snow is expected in central and coastal areas with up to 10cm expected in Southern uplands on higher ground, and wind warnings are in place with gusts of up to 70mph expected in exposed coastal areas including Dumfries, Edinburgh & Borders and Ayrshire. Heavy rain is also expected to accompany the high winds.

    In our Manweb licence area in the South, we expect to see winds increase tomorrow afternoon, the winds will be southerly and peak gusts are expected to be 60 – 65 mph in coastal areas with more widely gusting at 55 – 60 mph. The strongest winds are expected tomorrow evening but will remain strong overnight and not significantly east until Wednesday afternoon.

    Localised damage and debris can be expected in coastal communities and exposed areas and there there may be some disruption to travel.

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  9. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks have issued their first weather warning for Storm Barra, on this occasion for their southern network:

    With high winds predicted on Tuesday 7 December, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is prepared for Storm Barra which could impact its electricity network in central southern England.

    This short period of adverse weather is being forecast through SSEN’s current weather model, with south westerly gusts moving across the south from 10am on Tuesday morning, and reaching speeds of around 50mph inland and up to 65mph along the coast. The high winds are expected to last through to the early evening of Tuesday 7 December, before calming from 6pm onwards.

    In preparation, SSEN has enacted its well-established resilience plans, increasing its available resources in anticipation of potential damage to its network. SSEN is urging people to not approach any damage to its equipment and instead, to report it by calling 105 or via its Power Track App and engineers will investigate as soon as possible.

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  10. In a news release earlier today UK Power Networks announced that:

    Strong winds and heavy rain are forecast across the South East and East of England. We are currently monitoring the weather closely and are in regular contact with the Met Office as storm Barra develops. View the latest forecast from the Met Office.

    Our electricity network is built to be resilient but extreme weather can affect overhead power lines. We urge the public to stay well clear from power lines and anyone spotting a damaged power line needs to report it to us immediately.

    We have additional staff on duty covering operational, technical and call centre roles. As always our priorities in these situations are public safety and restoring supplies to customers as quickly and safely as possible.

    We provide free extra help to people living in vulnerable circumstances, who are on our Priority Services Register. Find out more and apply.

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  14. In their 10 AM Storm Barra update ESB Networks report that:

    Gale force winds associated with Storm Barra, with gusts of over 130 km/h, have caused damage this morning to the electricity network affecting more than 59,000 homes, farms and businesses. The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds.

    With the storm still crossing the country, more damage and interruptions to supply can be expected. ESB Networks reminds the public that if you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous.

    All internal resources are on alert and will be deployed to respond to all electricity outages once it is safe to do so. With a red weather warning in the Southwest in effect until tonight, this may mean our crews may not be mobilised on the ground until the worst of the severe weather passes.

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  16. In their 12:30 PM Storm Barra update NIE Networks report that:

    Due to the adverse weather brought by Storm Barra approximately 5,500 customers are currently without power.

    Customers are affected in the areas of Downpatrick, Ards, Newry, Coleraine, Dungannon and Craigavon. Engineers from NIE Networks are currently assessing the extent of the damage in each area affected and deploying staff and equipment to restore power to those customers currently without supply. The NIE Networks 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.

    A spokesperson for NIE Networks said;

    “Extra staff have been brought in to help with our response to Storm Barra and our teams are working hard to repair any damage to the network as safely and quickly as possible.

    “We have also 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 on our website and report any incidents of damage to the electricity network via the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.”

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  17. In their 12:45 PM Storm Barra update ESB Networks state that:

    Gale force winds associated with Storm Barra, with gusts of over 130 km/h, are continuing to cause damage to the electricity network affecting more than 49,000 homes, farms and businesses. The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds.

    With the storm still crossing the country, more damage and interruptions to supply can be expected. ESB Networks reminds the public that if you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous.

    All internal resources are on alert and are responding to electricity outages once it is safe to do so. With a red weather warning in the Southwest in effect until tonight, and Co Clare until 1 am Wednesday morning, this may mean our crews may not be mobilised on the ground until the worst of the severe weather passes.

    Customers without power can check for updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at http://www.powercheck.ie

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  22. In their 8:45 PM Storm Barra update ESB Networks report that:

    As at 8.45pm, more than 38,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country are without power this evening. ESB Networks’ crews are continuing to work late into the night to restore power, where safe to do so, to as many customers as possible.

    Unfortunately, some customers will remain without electricity overnight. As weather alerts remain active further damage to the electricity network can be expected as the storm tracks along the West and Northwest.

    ESB Networks apologises for the inconvenience caused and advises all impacted customers to check PowerCheck.ie for restoration times.

    We are advising all those impacted by outages that they should prepare to be without electricity overnight and into tomorrow, with some customers potentially without power beyond that. It is very important that any customers who use electrically powered medical devices to contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

    ESB Networks crews will deploy again before first light tomorrow to continue restoration works as weather warnings and conditions on the ground enable safe working.

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  26. SSEN report that:

    Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has returned to business as usual in central southern England following the impact of Storm Barra.

    As forecast, strong winds and heavy rain impacted much of the country during Tuesday 7th December, with central southern England experiencing the impact from midday through to approximately 6pm. Wind gusts of over 58mph were recorded in coastal locations, with over 51mph recorded inland.

    SSEN’s teams resourced and prepared thoroughly following Storm Arwen last week and worked throughout Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday to respond to 32 high voltage faults and restore power to 6,686 customers during the period.

    Eliane Algaard, SSEN’s Operations Director – Distribution South, said:

    “We understand how important a secure and reliable supply of electricity is to our customers and we’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding as our teams worked to safely restore power.

    “We tracked Storm Barra for a number of days in advance following the recent impacts of Storm Arwen, which enabled us to have teams of engineers in place and ready to respond as quickly as possible to any damage the storm caused. I’d like to thank our engineers, call centre advisors and support staff for their dedication and commitment to help keep our communities safe.”

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  27. In their 12:45 PM Storm Barra update on Wednesday ESB Networks report that:

    ESB Networks’ crews have been working since early morning to restore power across the country with more than 30,000 customers currently impacted. While poor weather conditions may hamper repair in some areas, ESB Networks is doing everything it can to restore power as many of these customers as possible by the end of today.

    Following further strong winds overnight, counties along the western seaboard from Donegal to Kerry have been most impacted.

    Due to the severity of the damage, some customers may be potentially without power into tomorrow Thursday. It is very important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

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  30. In their 5 PM Storm Barra update ESB Networks state that:

    ESB Networks crews have been working throughout the day to restore power to homes, farms and businesses nationwide in the wake of Storm Barra, around 20,000 customers remain without supply. While poor weather conditions have hampered repair works in some areas, ESB Networks will continue to work into the night doing everything it can to restore power to as many remaining customers as possible.

    Following further strong winds last night and during today, counties along the western seaboard from Donegal to Kerry have been most impacted.

    Due to the severity of the damage, access remains difficult and unfortunately, some customers will be without power going into tomorrow, with some small pockets of customers potentially without power beyond that. ESB Networks has moved resources from less impacted areas of the country to assist colleagues in the most severely impacted areas.

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  31. In their 8:30 PM Storm Barra update ESB Networks report that:

    ESB Networks crews are continuing work this evening to restore power to homes and businesses nationwide in the wake of Storm Barra. Around 13,000 customers remain without supply, down from around 60,000 customers earlier this morning.

    While poor weather conditions have hampered repair works in some areas, ESB Networks’ crews will continue to work into the night doing everything they can to restore power to as many remaining customers as possible and crews will mobilise again at first light tomorrow.

    Due to the severity of the damage caused by Storm Barra, access remains difficult and unfortunately, many of those remaining customers will be without power overnight and into tomorrow, with small pockets of customers potentially without power beyond that. ESB Networks has moved crews from less impacted areas of the country to assist colleagues in the most severely impacted areas to reconnect customers as fast as they safely can.

    Following further strong winds last night and during today, counties along the western seaboard from Donegal to Kerry have been most impacted.

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  32. In their 21:15 PM Storm Barra update on Wednesday SPEN report that:

    With winds of up to 86mph in areas, Storm Barra has caused disruption to a number of our customers over the last couple of days. However, thanks to the efforts of our operational teams and the support of our customer contact centre, we are pleased to confirm that all impacted customers have now had supplies fully restored.

    Following Met Office weather warnings and ahead of the storm hitting this week, we mobilised our teams to the areas expected to be most affected by Storm Barra, which allowed us to act quickly and safety to restore power to those customers who were affected.

    Since the storm began on Tuesday 7 December our operational teams worked round the clock to restore supplies to 19,283 customers, and our call centre teams handled 7666 calls and sent over 14,000 messages to customers with updates.

    We would like to apologise to any of our customers who were impacted, for the disruption and inconvenience caused, and to thank you for your patience as we worked to restore the power.

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  34. In their latest Storm Barra Twitter update ESB Networks report that they still have 3,000 properties with power outages in need of repair:

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