Lightning to blame for train delays

An early-morning lightning strike caused delays and cancellations Friday on the Port Jefferson branch of the Long Island Rail Road, officials said.

The strike in the Smithtown area knocked out signals and caused a switch to malfunction, causing problems between Huntington and Port Jefferson, railroad spokesman Sam Zambuto said. The issue was rectified by about 8:45 a.m., Zambuto said, and trains were back on schedule by about 9 a.m.

Several trains were delayed between Port Jefferson and Huntington, among them the 6:45 a.m. train to Hunterspoint Avenue, the 7:07 a.m. from Huntington to Port Jefferson and the 7:35 a.m. train from Port Jefferson to Penn Station.

The 7:07 a.m. from Huntington, due in Port Jefferson at 8 a.m., was brought back to Huntington because of the signal problem and customers were put on buses for points east, the railroad said.

The 6:45 a.m. from Port Jefferson, due in Hunterspoint Avenue at 8:30 a.m., also operated 29 minutes late.