Thousands of people are still without power in East Anglia and several without homes today after savage storms left a trail of desolation.The clean-up operation was underway as the region woke up to a calm morning compared to the 78mph winds seen in some areas.

Thousands of people are still without power in East Anglia and several without homes today after savage storms left a trail of desolation.

The clean-up operation was underway as the region woke up to a calm morning compared to the 78mph winds seen in some areas.

Yet the reprieve will be short lived as storms are set to return at the weekend and sleet is forecast for next week.

Winds will not reach the force seen on Thursday however, hitting 40 to 50mph over Saturday and Sunday.

Nearly 15,000 homes and businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire were still without electricity this morning due to fallen cables and some are expected to remain so for the next few days.

Train and plane services were back to normal although some minor roads remained closed as the last of the fallen trees and partially collapsed buildings were cleared up.

Builders and insurers were inundated with calls while fans at Norwich City's game at Burnley this afternoon will be relocated to a new area of Turf Moor stadium for this following extensive damage to the ground.

Norfolk Constabulary and Suffolk County Council warned householders to be on the look out for rogue traders in the wake of the severe weather.

The Force's Contact and Dispatch Centre received a large volume of calls during yesterday's storms many relating to fallen trees, tiles blowing off roofs and fences becoming uprooted.

Officers are concerned that unscrupulous traders may take advantage of the destruction caused and are urging people to be alert.

Det Chief Inspector Colin Pearce, said: “As a result of the bad weather there will be lots of people needing repairs carried out on their homes or in their gardens.

“We would advise people to ensure that they only employ individuals and companies whose addresses and details can be verified.

“These people have no scruples and will take advantage of those in need particularly older or vulnerable people.”

Norfolk Constabulary would urge anyone who believes they have been a victim or where someone has had suspicious callers at their homes or businesses to make contact.

DCI Pearce added: “These offences are committed by professional criminals and we are aware that many such incidents go unreported. It is important we hear from anyone who feels they may have been targeted so we can catch the culprits.”