High winds overnight have caused extensive damage to power lines across the east of England and south east, interrupting electricity supplies to about 140,000 people.
Thousands of properties in the east are still without power this afternoon after the high winds in the St Jude storm caused extensive damage to power lines.
UK Power Networks engineers have restored power to 150,000 properties in the east of England and 100,000 in the south east, while latest figures show that there are still currently 150,000 in the east without power, and 30,000 properties in the south east.
As of 12.30pm today, among those currently without power were 2,500 properties in Norfolk and 46,000 properties in Suffolk.
A UK Power Networks spokesman said: 'UK Power Networks has five times the normal number of engineers on duty (750 compared to 150 on a usual day) and many extra call advisors answering the phones.
'Engineers worked through the night and new crews are continuing today, moving from job to job to repair the damage and restore power as quickly as is safely possible. We are carrying out helicopter patrols to check overhead power lines.
'Customer service staff and volunteers from the British Red Cross, which works in partnership with UK Power Networks, will also be on site helping people in the worst affected areas.
'Since midnight, we have received about 38,000 calls so our lines are extremely busy.'
• To report any power cuts and damaged lines call the UK Power Networks free helpline for the east of England on 0800 7838838. Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk and follow the company on twitter for updates.
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