Uk weather: Lightning storms leave hundreds of homes in Oxfordshire and Berkshire without power
Three buildings in Oxfordshire were set on fire after being hit by lightning
Your support helps us to tell the story
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Hundreds of homes have been left without power in Berkshire and Oxfordshire following a bout of torrential rain, thunder and lightning.
Transport was also disrupted for trains between Didcot Parkway and Reading when storms hit both counties in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Scottish and Southern Energy told the BBC lightning strikes to overhead cables had knocked out power supplies to 400 homes in Reading and 144 in Oxford.
Earlier today a lightning strike caused delays for hundreds of passengers at Gatwick Airport after causing electrical trips to the airport's systems.
Fire crews spent three hours extinguishing two roof fires caused by lightning strikes in Wokingham, while a property in Reading was also hit. A number of drivers had to be rescued after breaking down during floods.
Three buildings in Oxfordshire were set on fire after being hit by lightning strikes. There have been no reported injuries.
Engineers said they expected to restore power to all of the affected properties by the end of today.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments