POWER operator Electricity North West has cancelled planned power shutdowns and drafted in extra engineers in response to a MET Office weather warning.

There is currently a red warning for severe gales and a yellow warning of snow to hit the North West, including Cumbria, today.

Electricity North West say the additional engineers will be on hand to help keep the lights on and repair any potential damage.

Susan Stockwell, customer director at Electricity North West, said: “We are closely monitoring the weather and we’ve taken extra measures to get ready in case severe gales hit our region.”

Electricity North West’s partners, the British Red Cross are also on standby to offer extra support to vulnerable customers.