What to do if you're hit by a power cut during Storm Aileen tonight

Northern Powergrid has released information for Yorkshire residents ahead of Storm Aileen battering the county with 75MPH winds tonight.

The electricity board, responsible for delivering power to homes and businesses across the region, has released this advice ahead of the storm, which is set to bring extreme winds and rain to Yorkshire.Northern says it has extra engineers on hand in case the storm creates issues tonight.

What to do in the event of a power cut

* Have a charged mobile phone with important numbers, including 105 - the free national power cut phone line, easily accessible.

* Turn off electrical appliances at the socket (this is particularly important for heating or cooking appliances as your power could be restored at any time and potentially cause a safety hazard)

* Keep one light switched on so you know when power is restored

* Keep a battery or wind-up torch handy – they’re much safer than candles

* Check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives

* Ensure you have warm clothing and blankets handy and some food and drink in your home that does not require electricity to heat or prepare it

* Only call 999 in an emergency.

* Check Northern Powergrid’s online power cut map and reporting service – www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts

Following Met Office warnings for Storm Aileen, Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the network which delivers electricity to homes and businesses across the region, is assuring its customers that it is prepared should this evening’s forecasted severe gales affect its network.

The weather is expected to hit across Northern Powergrid’s operating area from this evening with severe gales and heavy rain expected until around 10am on Wednesday morning. Current forecasts are indicating potential gusts of up to 75 mph in some areas.

Northern Powergrid is also ready to use its customer support vehicles, wherever possible, during any potential prolonged power cut to help local communities by offering practical support such as stay-warm packs and hot drinks. Its partnership with the British Red Cross will also help provide additional care to customers on the register, when necessary.