Thunderstorms swept across the South East on Tuesday Passengers have been warned to expect delays after lightning struck the control tower at Gatwick Airport.The airport said the tower was hit at about 1400 BST during thunderstorms that swept across the South East.
A spokeswoman said departing flights were delayed by the lightning strike, weather conditions and surges on the local power grid.
She said arrivals had not been affected but there would be some disruption to departing flights.
Trains delayed"There is no damage, as far as I'm aware, and no injuries," the spokeswoman continued.
"Everything is up and running and has been since 1445 BST. Departing flights were suspended momentarily for 25 minutes."
A spokeswoman for National Air Traffic Services (Nats) said: "One part of the system was knocked out for about 10 minutes.
"The lightning had a minor effect but the main reason for the delays was the thunderstorms which the pilots want to fly round rather than through."
Passengers on the Gatwick Express, between the airport and London Victoria station, have also been warned to expect some delays after lightning strikes caused signalling problems.
House fire
The fire is believed to have been started by a lightning strike (Photo courtesy Crawley News) Southern Railway said its services were also disrupted.
In a statement on its website, the firm said: "Southern services are being severely disrupted on the Brighton Main Line due to lightning strikes.
"Passengers should expect delays of up to 70 minutes currently with short notice alterations and cancellations."
Firefighters have been dealing with a house fire in the Maidenbower area of Crawley that is also believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.
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