LIVE: Transport chaos across Greater Manchester as trams hit by lightning strike - latest updates

There are 'severe' delays across the tram network today (June 18) after a lightning strike wrought havoc on the Metrolink service.

There have been numerous delays on several lines this morning. The East Didsbury-Rochdale and Manchester Airport lines were suspended for hours, while the Altrincham line faced serious delays.

The problems have been caused by a 'lightning strike' which caused a technical issue, preventing trams from leaving the Trafford depot, according to travel service Inrix. Thunderstorms rolled in across the region last night, seeing the sky light up with bolts of lightning in the early hours.

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Metrolink has issued urgent advice to those looking to travel today, including that tickets will be accepted on local bus services in place of suspended and delayed trams. We're bringing you updates in our live blog below as delays continue across Greater Manchester.

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Advice from Metrolink: "Due to severe weather conditions we are currently experiencing severe delays on the Rochdale via Oldham line.

"Services travelling in both directions between Victoria and Rochdale Town Centre are affected."

There are huge delays on Chapel Street in Salford. The main road is closed in both directions due to emergency repairs between Holden Road and A574 Warrington Road.

Last weekend, fans at the Parklife festival and Soccer Aid faced travel chaos too after Transport for Greater Manchester announced three major tram lines would be shut as they tried to make it home after the huge events – including the Bury, Ashton and Rochdale lines.

Revellers hoping to travel through Manchester using the tram after Parklife festival, using the Heaton Park stop, were