Storm disruption latest: overhead line damaged, services slowed, warning issued for Friday

Speed restrictions have been put in place in Scotland as Storm Dudley brought severe weather and disruption to rail services.

Train operators, including Northern and West Midlands Railway, reported delays. A collapsed wall, a fallen tree and other weather-related issues affected services for Tyne and Wear Metro.

Damage to line at Kilwinning

Network Rail Scotland assessed “considerable” damage to a downed overhead line structure at Kilwinning.

It is unlikely that Thursday (17 February) will see services running between Kilwinning and Largs/Ardrossan.

Speed restrictions

Speed restrictions ran from 4pm on 16 February and were set to run into the early hours of 17 February.

The reduced speeds, TransPennine Express said, would affect its services between Preston and Edinburgh/Glasgow. Anyone planning on travelling on this route, they warned, should check before they travel and allow extra time.

There may also be disruption to TPE services between Newcastle and Edinburgh because of the difficult weather conditions expected, and customers should check before they travel and allow extra time when making their journey.

Customers can check their services via the TPE website: www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates  or at www.nationalrail.co.uk

Customers may defer their journeys until Thursday 17th February 2022, or a full refund can be obtained at https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/refunds and there will be no admin fee for this.

Anyone that experiences a delay may be entitled to compensation with more information available at: www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/delay-repay-compensation.

There is likely to be further disruption on Friday (18th February 2022), with Storm Eunice expected to hit many parts of the UK. Customers are advised to check for the latest travel advice on the TPE website.

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Experience Director for TransPennine Express said: “With weather warnings in place across Scotland and parts of Northern England today and a number of speed restrictions in place, we are urging anyone travelling between Preston and Edinburgh/Glasgow and Newcastle to Edinburgh to plan ahead and follow the guidance provided.

“Our number one priority is to keep our customers and colleagues safe, and we will be doing all we can to keep people moving in difficult conditions.  Anyone planning travel across the affected routes should check carefully, up to the last minute and allow extra time as disruption is likely.”

Customers with questions about their journey can tweet the train company at @TPEAssist or WhatsApp on 07812 223 336 and will usually receive a response within 10 minutes. Alternatively, please contact the TPE Customer Relations team: www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/contact-us.

As reported, ScotRail stopped services early on Wednesday.

LNER issues warning for Friday

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is advising customers of expected disruption to services due to anticipated extreme weather conditions as a result of Storms Dudley and Eunice over the next few days.

Customers are asked to check in advance of their journeys as a reduced timetable will be in place across parts of the LNER route on Friday 18 February 2022.

People who are booked to travel in either direction between York and London King’s Cross or Leeds and London King’s Cross are being advised not to travel on Friday but where possible, make their journey tomorrow, Thursday 17 February.

Alternatively, customers can request a full refund from their point of purchase.

Warrick Dent, LNER Safety and Operations Director, said: “We are encouraging our
customers with tickets dated for Friday 18 February to bring forward their travel arrangements to Thursday 17 February where possible.

“We expect services to be extremely busy in the coming days and advise customers to check our website and social media channels for the latest information.”

Download article