TRAMS are back up and running after being hit by multiple lightning strikes during yesterday’s storm.

Metrolink services are now running after engineers worked through the night to repair damage caused by lightning strikes which battered the lines.

The strikes, which hit locations across the network, affected power to critical signalling systems as well as the overhead lines used to power trams and the Bury and Altrincham lines were both suspended for the evening. The services were restored at 5.30am.

However, as a result of repairs made overnight, services will operate on all lines this morning, although there may be some minor delays while engineers continue to address the remaining damage.

Metrolink tickets purchased for last night’s postponed Champions League match between Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach at the Etihad can be used for tonight’s rearranged fixture.

The match was postponed following the adverse weather, which also impacted Metrolink services following multiple lightning strikes at three sub-stations at Bury, Altrincham and in the city centre.

The strikes affected power to critical signalling systems as well as the overhead lines used to power trams and the Altrincham and Bury lines were both suspended for the evening.

Metrolink services resumed on all lines this morning after engineers worked through the night to repair damage.

Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Customer Services, Rachel Spencer, said: “Last night’s storm caused major disruption across the whole network, localised flooding and the cancellation of Manchester City’s Champions League match.

“No one could have predicted the extent and impact of the storm and, ahead of tonight’s rearranged fixture, we will be honouring the tickets bought for travel to the stadium yesterday by those fans who braved the conditions only to find the match postponed.

“I hope that this gesture of giving our customers the opportunity to re-use the tickets they purchased yesterday evening for tonight’s game will help make travel a little easier.”

For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.