Thunderstorms have damaged signalling in west Wales and north west England, and many trains are delayed.

Network Rail said it was believed that lightning had blown the fuses in signalling circuits at Weaver Junction, near Runcorn. While engineers work to repair the damage, only one train an hour can run between Crewe and Liverpool Lime Street.

Trains have also been disrupted between Carmarthen, Milford Haven and Fishguard Harbour following a lightning strike at Clarbeston Road.

A lightning strike is also being blamed for a signal fault between Skipton and Carlisle, while another signalling fault was disrupting services between Leeds, Castleford and Knottingley early today.

Network Rail North West route director Chris Wright apologised to passengers. He continued: ‘Our specialist signalling and telecoms teams are working as fast as possible to fix the faults and get the railway fully back up and running. I’d advise anyone travelling today to please check National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator for the latest travel information before they set off on their journey.’

Meanwhile, National Rail has warned that temperatures may exceed 30 degrees in some areas again today.

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