Power restored after freak storms
The vast majority of homes left without power following this week's freak storms have been reconnected, according to suppliers.
Northern Powergrid said engineers had restored electricity to all affected customers in the North East of England where access to their properties has been possible.
Around 2,450 homes were hit by black-outs after lightning strikes and storms damaged supply lines on Thursday.
The electricity firm said in a statement: "Where access has not been possible, we intend to reconnect the properties to the electricity network today, subject to access being made available.
"Our engineers have been working extremely hard to restore power, either by permanent or temporary repair."
The news comes as home-owners, businesses and the insurance industry continues to count the cost of the devastating storms that battered northern parts of the country leaving one man dead, properties flooded and transport networks crippled.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman yesterday praised the response of the emergency services as she visited flood-damaged homes in Gateshead.
Hundreds of rail engineers also worked to repair damaged tracks which disrupted services between England and Scotland as the clean-up operation rumbled on.
Rail services were badly disrupted as rain tore away track beds at Scremerston, Northumberland, and landslides in the Lake District and Scottish Highlands caused more problems.
It led to thousands being stranded as no trains could pass between Newcastle and Edinburgh. The route has since been reopened, but with extended journey times.
Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Carlisle are still disrupted due to flooding damage, but the line is expected top be fully reopened tomorrow.
The Environment Agency said the period of April to June has been the wettest since records began.
Officials at the agency have now removed all flood warnings and alerts following a period of more stable weather conditions.
Cloud and showers are expected in many parts of the UK today, with drier, sunny spells in southern areas as the day progresses.