A lightning strike on equipment at Shortlands Station disrupted rail users through Bromley during rush hour on Monay evening (February 10).
Around 6.40pm, Network Rail South East and rail operators Southeastern revealed that lightning had struck signalling equipment at Shortlands Station in Bromley.
A spokesperson for Southeastern said:
"We have been advised by @NetworkRailSE that due to Lightening Strike on signalling equipment in the #Shortlands area, trains will be delayed or may be revised.
"Please check your journey."
A later update suggested that rail users impacted by the disruption the lightning was causing take buses between Bromley and Victoria — the line running through Shortlands Station.
"As pointed out it's Lightning...You can use London Buses at no extra cost between Bromley and Victoria.
"Train services will be diverted via alternative routes," Southeastern said.
UPDATE: As pointed out it's Lightning ⚡️🌩...
— Southeastern (@Se_Railway) February 10, 2020
🚌 You can use London Buses at no extra cost between Bromley and Victoria.
🚇 Train services will be diverted via alternative routes.#Shortlands
#TLUpdates - A lightning strike has caused damage to the signalling system in the Shortlands area affecting our services towards Sevenoaks and Orpington.
— Thameslink (@TLRailUK) February 10, 2020
Your journey will be extended and may require the use of alternative transport, details of which to follow.
Storm Ciara continued to bring turbulent weather including severe gales and heavy rainfall across the UK on Monday.
The Met Office previously issued Yellow weather warnings for wind for the entire country on Sunday (February 9), while further warnings for snow and ice were added for Northern areas on Monday.
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