Train operators are issuing warnings against travelling as Storm Amy approches.
TransPennine Express (TPE) has urged customers not to travel between Manchester/Liverpool and Glasgow/Edinburgh, or on services between York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh due to the expected gale-force winds.
Latest forecasts suggest that high winds and heavy rain will affect parts of the country from Friday evening, with the potential for widespread disruption to rail services. An amber weather warning is in place from 17.00 tomorrow until 09.00 on Saturday, and across some areas after Saturday.
With a number of amber and yellow weather warnings in place across Scotland and north west England, any trains that are able to run are expected to be affected by delays and short notice cancellations. Therefore, the rail operator is urging customers not to travel on the following routes on Friday 3 October:
- Preston – Edinburgh: from 12:00
- Newcastle – Edinburgh: from 16:00
- Preston – Glasgow: from 17:00
In addition, customers are advised not to travel during the morning of Saturday 4 October:
- Preston – Glasgow/Edinburgh until 12:00
- York – Newcastle – Edinburgh until 12:00
Passengers travelling after 12:00 on Saturday 4th October are strongly advised to check before they travel.
Customers with tickets across the affected routes can defer their journey and use their tickets for travel on Sunday 5 October at no extra cost. Alternatively, they can request a full refund at tpexpress.co.uk/help/refunds.
For all other routes across the TPE network, customers are strongly urged to check travel updates in advance and be prepared for disruption, including possible cancellations.
Andrew McClements, customer experience & transformation director, said, “Our top priority is the safety of our customers and colleagues.
“In line with other operators we will do everything possible to keep people moving under difficult conditions, however due to the weather warnings in place on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, we are having to issue advice not to travel on our Anglo-Scottish routes.
“We urge anyone travelling on the affected routes on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning to reconsider their plans and to follow the guidance provided.”
Yesterday, ScotRail advised customers to plan ahead and check their journeys. The train operator is anticipating that some disruption to services will extend into Saturday, and possibly Sunday, while Network Rail carries out safety checks for obstructions on the line and damage to any infrastructure.
The following lines will close from 18.00 on Friday due to forecast wind gusts and heavy rain:
- Mallaig – Fort William.
- Fort William – Crianlarich.
- Inverness – Aberdeen.
- Inverness – Wick / Thurso.
- Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh.
- Perth – Inverness.
Customers will not be able to travel on these routes and there will be no replacement transport available. ScotRail is encouraging customers who need to travel to do so earlier in the day tomorrow, or on Thursday evening.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “Safety is always our top priority, and we’re working closely with our colleagues at Network Rail to keep people moving where it’s safe to do so.
“The Met Office Amber warning for high winds during Storm Amy means that some routes will have to close, and speed restrictions will be in place across Scotland’s Railway.
“We know how frustrating disruption can be, but these measures are essential to protect our customers and staff.
“We’d encourage everyone to check their journey before travelling and to keep an eye on our website, app, or social media channels for the latest updates.
Image credit: Network Rail