Political activitiesactivities in Westminster was today disrupted after a crane collapsed on to the roof of the Cabinet Office by high winds generated by the St Jude's storm.
The equipment fell on the Whitehall building early this morning, forcing an evacuation and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to call off a scheduled press conference.
"Today's press conference moved to a day when there isn't a crane on the roof and journalists travelling on the train are able to join us," Clegg tweeted.
Surrounding streets were also cordoned off, but no injuries have been reported.
"A crane at the back of the Cabinet Office was dislodged by the storm, and is currently resting on the roof. We are assessing the damage, and the building has been evacuated while we do so," a Cabinet spokesperson said.
"Many staff can log on and work flexibly from the Treasury building or from other locations and we are exploring other temporary options. We are working hard to ensure the safety of our staff and minimum disruption to operations," he was quoted as saying by iTV.
Transport ministers, the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Cabinet Office updated Prime Minister David Cameron on preparations and contingency plans for transport, local authorities, schools, health and power supplies.
He was told that the storm could have a widespread impact but plans were in place to respond, a spokesman said.
At least three people were killed today as St Jude, one of the worst storms to hit Britain in years, left around 5,80,000 homes without power, paralysed rail traffic and grounded some 130 flights at Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport.
