Are trains running today? Where rail services have been cancelled due to Storm Babet and latest travel advice
Two people have died as Storm Babet batters parts of the UK with strong winds and torrential rain, causing widespread disruption.
A new 24-hour red “danger to life” weather warning across parts of Scotland has been put in place by the Met Office, running throughout Saturday, while further severe weather warnings are currently active across large areas of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.
The storm has had a significant impact on train travel, with several routes across the country suspended due to flooding or fallen trees.
National Rail said: “Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds in some areas, could affect journeys across Scotland, northern England and large parts of eastern England.
“Stormy weather can severely impact the railway, with journey delays due to flooding, fallen trees, damage to power lines and landslips. Speed restrictions may be imposed on trains to help get you to your destination safely.”
Where have trains been cancelled?
National Rail has highlighted the following incidents:
There is major disruption across parts of Scotland until the end of Saturday 21 October. ScotRail services are suspended between:
- Aberdeen and Elgin;
- Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Fife;
- Perth and Aberdeen via Dundee;
- Dunblane and Perth;
- Perth and Aviemore;
- Tain and Wick/Thurso;
- All Fife Circle services.
The operator advised customers on affected routes not to travel, as alternative transport would not be available and the adverse weather would make for poor driving conditions.
There is major disruption across the Midlands, with no service on the route between Derby and Sheffield and Nottingham, a blockage between Peterborough and Leicester, as well as disruption around Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe, Stafford and Wolverhampton. You can find the latest advice here.
There is also significant disruption across north-west England, expected throughout Friday, including a blockage between Chester and Crewe, and between Leeds and Shipley. A tree blocking the railway between Blackburn and Colne means all lines are blocked. All the latest travel advice is here.
In the North East disruption is expected for the whole of Friday, with services suspended until 5pm between Sheffield and Lincoln Central due to flooding. The River Don has overflowed and flooded the railway, meaning services are unable to call at Rotherham. A tree is blocking the railway between Newcastle and Carlisle, with trains suspended until 5pm. Flooding has blocked the route between Sheffield and New Mills Central. Find the latest advice here.
Heavy rain flooding the railway between Grantham and Newark North Gate means trains all lines are blocked, with major disruption expected until 6pm. Trains between these stations may be delayed by up to 80 minutes, cancelled or revised. Find the latest advice here.
All lines are currently blocked at Swindon due to flooding, meaning all running through this station may be cancelled, severely delayed by up to 60 minutes or diverted, with disruption expected until 3pm. This is affecting journeys between London and the South West. Find the latest advice here.
National Rail said severe weather may also impact Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink services until the end of the day.
People travelling on Friday or Saturday are advised to check their journeys using the National Rail journey planner.
National Rail said: “Trains may be altered at the last minute so please do check your whole journey before you set off and also throughout your journey.
“You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.”
What is the latest weather forecast?
Here is the latest forecast from the Met Office:
Friday
An unsettled day across much of the UK, with outbreaks of heavy rain and strong winds, especially in the east. Some brighter spells are possible across southern counties of England and north-west Scotland, but heavy showers developing here.
Friday night
Staying unsettled for many, with further strong winds and outbreaks of heavy rain and showers continuing through the evening and overnight.
Saturday
Low pressure will bring further heavy showers and blustery winds. Rain continuing across northern and eastern Scotland. Near average temperatures.
Sunday to Tuesday
Staying largely unsettled through this period with showers or longer spells of rain, but overall a gradual improvement in conditions is expected with time. Feeling fresher than of late.
