With Storm Ciara expected to batter the UK this weekend, train operators around the country have released travel advice.
Storm Ciara is expected to bring up to 80mph winds and heavy rain to many parts of the UK on Saturday and Sunday.
Strong winds can blow debris or trees on to the railway, causing overhead power line damage or other track damage. This then delays trains until the line is cleared.
Here is the current travel advice (updated 09:00 on 7th February 2020):
CrossCountry
CrossCountry plan to run a normal service on Sunday 9th February; however, it is likely that trains will be delayed or disrupted by the severe weather.
Greater Anglia
Network Rail has imposed a speed restriction to services across the Greater Anglia network on Sunday 9th February.
The speed restrictions have resulted in fewer trains being able to run, and trains will take longer than usual to reach their destination. Customers are therefore advised to allow extra time for their journeys and check before you travel.
Greater Anglia plans to run a revised service on Sunday with further details expected to be available tomorrow, Saturday 8th February.
LNER
The severe weather and high winds have the potential to cause significant disruption to LNER trains.
As a result, LNER is advising passengers NOT TO TRAVEL on Sunday 9th February 2020 and to instead travel on Monday 10th February 2020.
Passengers with LNER tickets dated for travel on Sunday 9th February will be able to use their tickets to travel on any LNER service on Monday 10th February.
Southeastern
It is very likely that Southeastern will have to introduce speed restrictions across their network on Sunday, which will result in delays and possible alterations to trains.
Southeastern are working to create a contingency plan, and details of the arrangements that will apply should speed restrictions be introduced.
TransPennine Express
TransPennine Express are advising passengers NOT TO TRAVEL on Sunday 9th February 2020.
If passengers choose to travel, they should allow additional time to make connections and to complete your journey. They are strongly advised to check before travelling.
A speed restriction will be imposed on most TransPennine Express routes on Sunday resulting in delays to trains. Trains are also expected to be affected by planned engineering works on the North & South Trans-Pennine routes.
Merseyrail
- Timetables on the Chester & Ellesmere Port lines will change, with some services departing earlier or later. Full timetable information can be found below.
- Planned engineering work on the Southport line will still go ahead, which rail replacement buses running between Sandhills and Formby stations. Full information can be found here.
Liverpool to Chester & Ellesmere Port
Chester & Ellesmere Port to Liverpool
What did the officials say?
Nick King, network services director at Network Rail, said:
“We are working closely with our train operator partners to ensure passengers and freight are moved as safely and reliably as possible over the weekend and into Monday morning, but with such strong winds expected across large parts of the country, there will inevitably be some reduced services and speed restrictions in place. We advise passengers travelling on Sunday and Monday to check their journeys before setting off.”
Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said:
“This weekend, train companies and Network Rail will be working together round the clock to keep people safe and on the move. With 80mph winds predicted for much of the country anything from trees to trampolines could be strewn across the tracks so we're advising people to check National Rail Enquiries before setting out on their journey.”
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Wind gusts could pick to nearly 90mph in some places and there is a potential of 100mph wind gusts.
Why do operating companies have to issue silly briefings like these? The weather is forecast to be stormy, but no one knows how bad or where it will be worst. Perhaps if the line side vegetation were cut back properly and things like drainage culverts were kept clear, half these issues wouldn’t arise?