The region has been battered by heavy rain, thunder and lightning
Castleton railway station
A lightning strike has damaged a train signalling system near a station in Rochdale, resulting in delays for commuters.
National Rail said disruption was expected to run into rush-hour on Thursday.
Northern services between Chester and Leeds; Headbolt Lane/Rochdale and Blackburn; Wigan Wallgate and Todmorden; Clitheroe and Rochdale and between Manchester Victoria and Leeds are all being affected.
The lightning strike – which came as Greater Manchester suffered heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning on Thursday afternoon – was reported in the Castleton area of Rochdale.
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It’s said to have caused damage to the signalling system, disrupting trains running through Castleton railway station.
Natiional Rail said on its website: “A lightning strike has occurred in the Castleton area and has caused damage to the signalling system, disrupting trains running through this station.
Northern(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
“Northern services between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale, and TransPennine Express services between Manchester Victoria and Hebden Bridge may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised.
“Engineers are on site assessing the situation. Whilst they are working to restore the signalling, trains will run at a reduced speed through the affected area.”
Operator Northern said trains may be revised to end or start at Manchester Victoria, not running between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale or Todmorden.
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TransPennine Express said trains would not call at Castleton station.
Buses have been requested to run between Brighouse and Manchester Victoria, calling at Castleton.
Northern referenced a ‘fault with the signalling system between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale’.
It said trains would have to run at a reduced speed on the line.
“Train services running through these stations will be delayed,” added the operator. “Disruption is expected until 4pm.”