Media centre

Thursday 5 Dec 2013

21.00 - National Rail update: storm impact

Region & Route:

National

The majority of the rail network in Scotland and the north of England has reopened this evening following the devastating impact of th e severe storm that has battered the north of the UK today with winds in excess of 140mph.

Hundreds of Network Rail engineers have in out in atrocious conditions to reopen scores of lines closed by fallen trees, trampolines and even giant hay bales.

Train services in these regions, or travelling to or through these areas, will continue to experience delays and cancellations as the network returns to normal.

Robin Gisby, director of operations said: "It's been a difficult day for our passengers as the industry has dealt with the impact of a very severe winter storm. People have coped marvellously well with the situation, both as passengers and as employees, as we now start to return the network to normal operations but that task will take many hours yet."

Plans are now in place in preparation for the storm surge expected to hit the east of England and East Anglia tonight and into the early hours of Friday morning with services mainly along the branch lines to eastern costal areas, such as the lines to Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Skegness, now suspended until the morning when we can carry out safety checks in the full light of day. It will be later in the morning until services resume on these routes.

Michael Roberts, Director General of the Rail Delivery Group, said: "Hundreds of rail staff will continue to monitor the weather, react quickly to problems on the lines and keep passengers safe and informed.

"Many lines are open but some are running reduced timetables with the most severely affected areas being Scotland and parts of Northern England. Delays are possible so customers should check National Rail Enquiries before they decide to travel. A number of operators have lifted restrictions to allow tickets from today to be used tomorrow, and we advise passengers to check with their train company."

A further update will be issued at 7am on Friday.