Thousands of homes and businesses have been left without power this evening following a power outage in Great Yarmouth.

Residents in Hopton and Corton near Lowestoft as well as those further north in Gorleston and Great Yarmouth have reported power outages and flickering lights.

Some areas are back on after losing power for just a few minutes, while others remain in the dark.

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said the fault was reported at about 8.30pm today and involved a fault to the high voltage network. The fault is believed to be a result of the inclement weather.

They added that they hoped to restore power within two hours.

“Crews of UK Power Networks engineers are working in the Great Yarmouth area tonight to investigate the cause of a power cut which was reported to us at about 8.30pm,” a spokesman said.

“We believe the problem may have been caused by a fallen tree being blown onto overhead power lines and we are patrolling the lines to find the damage so it can be repaired.

“We will work to restore supplies as quickly as is safely possible.”