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Sunday 7 Feb 2016

Rail network prepares for storm force winds

Region & Route:

| Southern

• Speed restrictions to be introduced from 21:00 until 03:00 today Sunday 7th February and from 11:00 on Monday 8th February as high winds are expected to hit the railway.

 

• Specialist engineers are preparing to deploy across the network to inspect lines and repair any damage as quickly as possible.

Due to the severe weather conditions forecast for today and Monday February 8th, speed restrictions will be in operation on some routes from 21:00 today until 03:00 and 11:00 on Monday 8 February as a safety precaution.

It is highly likely there will be delays this evening due to the predicted forecast. Monday morning services are scheduled to run as advertised, however, passengers are advised to check their journey before travelling as disruption to services, including the morning and evening peak, is highly likely.

Passengers are being advised to expect delays and disruption as forecasters are predicting winds in excess of 70mph across the South Coast on Monday.

With the strength of the winds expected, railway infrastructure could be damaged as severe winds can blow debris and trees onto tracks and damage equipment and signals.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We will be monitoring the weather conditions  throughout the day and have specialist teams ready to deploy quickly to deal with any issues caused by the storm.

"We are working closely with our industry partners to reduce disruption as much as possible while also operating a safe network for passengers.

"Our advice to passengers is to check before you travel on Monday, using National Rail Enquiries for the latest information."