Salt on power lines linked to Newquay power cuts

The National Grid has revealed that salt deposits on overhead power lines, caused by Storm Darragh, are behind recent power outages and interruptions affecting Newquay and surrounding areas in Cornwall.

Residents have reported supply issues, including flickering lights, for several days. Properties in several areas, including Trevemper and Treloggan, lost power on Wednesday, with reconnections scheduled for Thursday lunchtime. Hundreds of homes in the TR7, TR8 and TR4 postcodes were later affected by what the National Grid described as a "high voltage fault."

A spokesperson for the National Grid explained: "During Storm Darragh, strong winds at some coastal locations and higher ground led to sea salt crystals coating overhead lines. This is an unusual occurrence due to the exceptionally strong north-westerly winds experienced during the storm that pulled moisture from the sea. We would like to reassure customers we are aware of the issue and are taking action, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”