Storm Agnes sends tree crashing onto railway line near Chester

Storm Agnes has sent a tree toppling onto a railway line near Chester[1], blocking all lines and causing delays for commuters.

The incident happened between Greenbank and Chester railway station this evening, with Network Rail staff reported to be on site. Northern Rail posted about the incident on X (formerly known as Twitter) at 5.40pm this evening, saying Network Rail staff were due on site at 5.30pm.

They have since posted to say that the lines remain closed and buses are being organised. News of the fallen tree comes as warnings have been issued about the dangers of strong winds as Storm Agnes arrives.

READ: Cyclist, 75, airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after collision with van | The air ambulance landed in Bartington, near Northwich, after the crash yesterday afternoon[2]

READ: Family pays tribute to 'kind, gentle' rugby player killed by careless driver | The tribute comes after a driver was sentenced for causing the death of Widnes Vikings player Liam Walsh[3]

Meteorologists have warned some parts of the UK could experience winds of up to 75mph with the storm said to be 'intensifying quickly'. The warning, which covers almost the whole of England and Scotland and the whole of Wales and Northern Ireland, came into force at 10am today (Wednesday) and will last until 7am tomorrow (Thursday).

Yellow weather[4] warnings are in place from the Met Office for today and tomorrow. The Met Office has also warned there is a small chance of danger to life and disruption from the storm.

Commenting on the fallen tree near Chester, Northern's social media post says: "There is a tree blocking the railway between Greenbank and Chester and all lines are blocked. Network Rail staff are expected on site at 17:30."

In response to a query about whether the lines were still blocked and if tickets could be used to get to Manchester via tram, Northern replied: "Hello there, yes it is. There is currently no ticket acceptance in place to allow for this. We are organising buses as we speak."

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References

  1. ^ Chester (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
  2. ^ Cyclist, 75, airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after collision with van (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
  3. ^ Family pays tribute to 'kind, gentle' rugby player killed by careless driver (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
  4. ^ weather (www.walesonline.co.uk)
  5. ^ Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)

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