Modems fried as storms strike

Power surges caused by lightning can fry modems

Bad weather is proving costly for Britain's growing population of web users.

Power surges trigged by thunder storms are frying modems in large numbers, according to figures collected by computer retailer PC World.

The lack of summer sunshine has meant more people staying inside and using the net putting them at risk from the surging supplies.

The retailer's support staff are sending out 10 times as many modems as usual and many customers are blaming the bad weather for the damage to their hardware.

Burnt offering

The computer seller also reports that sales of surge protectors are up 42% over previous weeks, suggesting some customers are starting to take precautions.

Bad weather keeping people inside and online

Surge protectors sit between the telephone or power socket and the modem or computer and prevent the surges caused by lightning overwhelming the devices.

Both modems and hard drives are at risk from the power surges.

"Our advice to customers is to watch the weather carefully and take simple precautions to protect their equipment," said Simon Turner, managing director of PC World.

Mr Turner said computers should be unplugged from the mains power supply when not in use.

He speculated that more people are being caught out and losing expensive hardware to the surges because of the growing popularity of the web and online gaming.

Unmetered net use tariffs that let people pay a flat fee for almost unlimited time online means people tend to go on the web for longer than ever.

The poor British weather this summer has also meant more people spending time indoors and using the chance to go online.

"It may seem an unlikely occurrence, but almost one in 10 calls to our PC Servicecall helpline are about thunderstorms," said Mr Turner.