Due to the flood risk associated with Storm Claudia, Network Rail has announced that Rotherham Central station will have no services.

No services will run to or from the station from 4 pm today until noon tomorrow.

The River Don’s water levels are rapidly increasing, so Network Rail is planning to disconnect the signalling and telecommunications equipment near the station to minimise damage as much as possible should the river flood.

The station has flooded previously, leading them to prepare ahead.

Passengers can check with their train operator (Northern or Supertram) or with National Rail.

Other areas are also being affected by the storm, including Devon, Cumbria, and many areas of the Midlands.

“We’ve taken proactive steps during severe weather in the past to successfully protect critical equipment from water damage, avoiding significant passenger disruption and associated costs.

“We apologise to passengers affected by the route closure. However, forecasts indicate flooding in the Rotherham area, and this is the most effective way to safeguard the railway and restore services as quickly as possible once conditions improve.”

Mark Hayles, Network Rail route operations manager