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Monday 26 Oct 2026

Rail passengers thanked after North West Storm Boelo disruption

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Rail passengers across the North West have been thanked for their patience after Storm Boelo caused major disruption to train journeys. 

Network Rail teams worked closely with train operators to keep as many services running as possible this weekend, but the extreme weather conditions meant some routes had to close. 

Torrential rain and gales, with gusts of up to 70mph, flooded some tracks and brought down trees which damaged the infrastructure and delayed trains. 

Over the weekend, Network Rail’s North West route dealt with: 

• 357 weather-related issues that caused faults on the railway 

• Cut back and removed 70 trees from the tracks 

• Removed three items that had flown onto overhead line equiptment 

• Responded to nine floods that prevented trains from running 
• Repaired four key sections of overhead electrical lines in Garstang, Lostock and Hazel Grove, that were damaged by the strong winds and trees 

While most railway lines across the North West reopened this morning, the scale of the damage caused by the severe weather means some disruption is still expected today (Monday 26 October). 

A number of services may operate to amended timetables or run at reduced speeds while the railway completes its recovery. 

Passengers are being advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk before they travel while the timetable returns to normal. 

Chris Wright, Network Rail North West route director, said: "I am really sorry to everyone whose journey has been affected by Storm Boelo. We know how disruptive and frustrating the last few days have been, particularly for those trying to travel at the start of the working week. We are incredibly grateful to passengers for their patience and continued support. 

"Our teams have worked around the clock in extremely challenging conditions to repair the damage, remove fallen trees and reopen routes safely. Most railway lines across the North West are now open, but the scale of the storm's impact means some services may still operate to amended timetables or run at reduced speeds today.” 

With further periods of severe weather possible during the autumn and winter, the rail industry is committed to learning from the weekend, adapting its plans and improving how quickly and safely the railway can recover from future events. 

Andrew McClements, TransPennine Express customer experience and transformation director, said: "Storms Austen and Boelo created really difficult conditions across the weekend, and I'm grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding as we did all we could to keep them on the move. 

"The railway worked hard to keep routes open and to give customers as many options as possible to help them complete necessary journeys. Customers who were unable to travel with TransPennine Express on Sunday can still use those tickets on Monday and Tuesday, and our colleagues will be on hand to help make journeys as smooth as possible."   

Warrick Dent, Northern chief operating officer, said: “We’re sorry to everyone affected by the disruption caused by Storms Austen and Boelo over the weekend. We’ve worked around the clock with colleagues from across the industry to repair damage and restore services as quickly and safely as possible, and I’d like to thank all colleagues involved for their hard work.  

"Many routes across the North are still facing disruption today, so please check before travelling. Customers with tickets dated Sunday 25 October can use them on any Northern service on Monday 26 or Tuesday 27 October at no extra cost.” 

The latest service information is available through train operators' websites and at www.nationalrail.co.uk.