Power cuts hits Herefordshire homes during Storm Austen

National Grid has reported two separate faults on high-voltage overhead power lines on Friday lunchtime, leaving hundreds of homes without electricity.

The first, affecting the HR3 area around Peterchurch in the Golden Valley , was reported at 12.10pm and left around 350 homes and businesses without power.

Engineers were dispatched and restoration work began immediately.

Just minutes later, a second and larger outage was reported at 12.17pm, with 889 homes and businesses initially losing supply after a fault on high-voltage power lines in the St Weonards area, between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye

National Grid said engineers are on their way to the affected areas and are treating the incidents as a priority.

In its latest update on the larger outage, the company said 557 properties had already been restored, leaving 103 still without power by 12.45pm.

Residents have been warned their electricity supply may temporarily go on and off while repairs are carried out.

Both incidents currently have an estimated restoration time of 2pm, although National Grid said this could change if engineers encounter difficulties reaching or repairing the faults.

The outages come as Storm Austen moves across Herefordshire under a Met Office yellow weather warning for wind, which remains in force until 9pm.

Forecasters have warned gusts could reach 55mph, with the potential for fallen trees, travel disruption and power cuts.

Conditions have deteriorated through the day, with rain spreading across Hereford around lunchtime and winds continuing to strengthen.

Several attractions and nature sites across the county have already closed as a precaution, with organisations warning of the dangers posed by falling branches and trees while the storm passes through.