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Friday 14 Nov 2025

Storm Claudia: Midlands passengers urged to check before travelling amid heavy rainfall

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

Passengers across the West Midlands are being advised to check before travelling on the railway today (Friday) and Saturday.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for rain across the West Midlands and Network Rail teams are out and about preparing for the extreme rainfall, which will cause disruption to rail services.

Forecasters have warned that some areas could see a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours. 

Engineers are working to prepare as fully as possible for the weather conditions, checking known problem sites, clearing culverts and preparing pumps.

Due to the severe weather, some services across the West Midlands have been reduced and timetables amended.

West Midlands Railway passengers are advised that on Friday, services will be reduced on the Cross City line and no services are operating between Barnt Green and Redditch. There will also be no services between Hereford and Worcester.

Chiltern Railways passengers are advised that there are no services north of Birmingham Moor Street or on the line to Stratford-upon-Avon and a reduction in services on the rest of the route, including between London and Birmingham.

Denise Wetton, route director for Network Rail Central route, said: “We are doing everything we can to prepare for the impact of this extreme weather and are working closely with our train operator partners to keep as many services running as possible.

“I would urge passengers to check before you travel as the heavy rain could cause some disruption to services.”

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “Due to forecast severe weather, services will be subject to cancellation or delay across our network. Journeys will be subject to significant disruption, extended journey times and no service at all on some parts of the network. All the latest travel information will be available via our website and social media channels.”

Michael Stewart, commercial & customer strategy director at Chiltern Railways, said: "Please check your journeys before setting out as they are subject to disruption across the Chiltern network today (Friday 14 November) due to the storm.

"Our timetable has been reduced by 50 per cent to ensure safety and greater reliability of services. Further information is available on our website."

For the latest travel information passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.