Power restored in 'biggest ever' fix after storm

Power has been restored to all National Grid customers who suffered outages due to Storm Darragh, according to its operation director.

Roisin Quinn described it as the "biggest restoration effort ever on our network" after about 64,000 properties were left without power in mid and south Wales alone.

Wind gusts in excess of 90mph (145km/h) caused widespread disruption after a rare red weather warning was issued to around three million people in parts of Wales and south-west England on Friday 7 December.

Energy Networks Association, which represents electricity network operators in the UK, said more than 250,000 were left without power by last Saturday night.

Scottish Power said about 31,000 properties, mainly across north and mid Wales, lost power during the height of storm.

National Grid looks after the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, including 4,500 miles (7,240km) of overhead lines, which was unaffected during the storm.

It was its lower-voltage electricity distribution network in the Midlands, south west and south Wales, which includes 60,000 miles of overhead lines, that was impacted by Storm Darragh, leading to the power outages.

Ms Quinn said work would continue in "hardest hit areas for the coming days, completing repairs and supporting customers".

"But our network is now operating under normal conditions.

"I'm pleased to say that all customers impacted by the storm are now back on supply.

"And I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding while we have worked round the clock to repair damage."