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Last Updated: Wednesday, 29 June, 2005, 09:41 GMT 10:41 UK
Lightning storm causes power cuts
Lightning
Lightning affected power lines across the East Midlands
Engineers are working to restore power to hundreds of homes in the East Midlands after a lightning storm.

Nearly 300 homes in Lincs were without power after Tuesday's storms, with another 160 in Leics and almost 500 in Derbys affected.

Central Networks spokeswoman Rebecca Middleton said lightning hit wires and pylons, cutting off homes.

"Engineers worked all night to tackle the problems, but they can only work when it is safe to do so," she said.

The emergency services in Derbyshire and East Staffordshire received hundreds of calls during the thunderstorms, mainly for automatic fire alarms and flooding.

Another 1,400 homes in Northamptonshire also lost power supplies.

About 25,000 homes were hit at the height of the storm in the East Midlands, Ms Middleton said.

Central Networks said it hoped the power would be restored to all homes later on Wednesday.


SEE ALSO:
Lightning causes commuter chaos
29 Jun 05 |  Nottinghamshire


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