Storm Babet latest travel advice as UK roads, flights and trains hit by …
Storm Babet batters Britain as rivers burst, rail lines flood and lighthouse dome swept away
Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts
Get Simon Calder’s Travel email
Large parts of the UK have been hit by transport disruption due to heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Babet.[1]
Several major roads have been closed, rail lines blocked and flights grounded by the severe weather.
Traffic Scotland said those affected include the A9 Jubilee Bridge near Dunkeld, Perthshire; the A85 at Huntingtower near Perth and the A90 from Forfar, Angus to Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. National Highways said the A15 Humber Bridge between North Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire is closed in both directions to “high-sided and vulnerable vehicles” due to strong winds.
No trains are running between Derby and Sheffield or Nottingham; between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley; between Shrewsbury and Hereford/Wolverhampton; between Hereford and Birmingham New Street; between Chester and Crewe; or between Wrexham Central and Bidston. ScotRail said train services remain suspended on several routes in north and north-east Scotland.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis issued a warning to motorists, saying: “Drivers should never attempt to drive through floodwater as the risks are just too great.”
Meanwhile, passengers had to be evacuated from a TUI plane from Corfu after it came off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport [2]as it attempted to land in windy conditions.
Amber and yellow weather warnings for swathes of UK
An amber weather warning for rain is in place for some parts of northern England including Yorkshire and Manchester, as well as some of the Midlands, including Nottingham.
And a yellow weather warning for much of the east coast of the UK has been put in place for wind and rain on Saturday.
Weather warnings for Saturday
(Met Office)
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 21:30
‘Considerable risk’ of Aberdeenshire river flooding
Aberdeenshire Council warned of “considerable risk of flooding” on the River Don at the weekend.
A spokesperson said: “Latest modelling from Sepa is indicating that there is now a considerable risk of flooding on the River Don at Inverurie, Kemnay and Kintore tomorrow (Sat) between 10am and 2pm.
“This has the potential to impact properties in low-lying areas and we would urge residents and businesses to get prepared and take immediate steps to protect their own property from flooding.”
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 20:20
Fallen tree blocks rail line
A fallen tree on the Neilston line in Scotland damaged overhead cables.
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 19:50
Major incident declared in Derbyshire as roads closed
A major incident has been declared in Derbyshire, prompting advice not travel unless essential until further notice this weekend.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service wrote: “Most roads in Derbyshire are affected by flooding and many are closed.
“We are calling on our communities to follow the advice below to keep safe: Do not travel unless essential from now until further information is available later in the weekend.
“Continue to watch for weather and flooding updates. Look out for vulnerable neighbours, especially if they have care services who may not be able to reach them.
“Never drive or walk into floodwater, even if it appears shallow – it could endanger your life.”
“Do not ignore road closed signs,” it added.
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 19:05
Long delays on A1 amid flooding
Flooding has caused delays of more than an hour on the A1 near Grantham, National Highways has said.
“Due to extensive flooding in the area, the A1 has reduced capacity both ways between the A46 and B6326 near Grantham. Traffic officers, Nottinghamshire Police and contractors are working to clear the water and get the lanes moving; there are delays of 70 minutes on the approach,” it posted.
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 19:00
Rail lines closed
ScotRail routes currently closed are between:
– Aberdeen and Elgin
– Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Fife
– Perth and Aberdeen via Dundee
– Dunblane and Perth
– Perth and Aviemore
– Tain and Wick / Thurso
– All Fife Circle services
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 18:45
Storm Babet travel advice - latest
For more travel advice, see our sister live blog:
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 18:30
Eight people rescued near Solihull
West Midlands Fire Service rescued eight people and a dog after vehicles became stranded in floodwater in the village of Balsall Common, near Solihull.
“Please avoid the area around Balsall Street, Balsall Common,” the service said.
“Several people whose vehicles got stuck in the water there have been brought to safety on rafts by our firefighters.
“Five men, two women, a child and a dog were ferried from five cars and a van. No-one was hurt.”
A car stuck in floodwater in Sheffield
(PA)
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 18:10
Thousands stranded after Anglo-Scottish trains cancelled mid-journey
Large parts of the UK rail network are off-limits to travellers tonight due to severe flooding caused by Storm Babet. And there are warnings that disruption may continue until Sunday.
The flagship East Coast main line, linking London, Yorkshire, northeast England and southern Scotland, is at a near-standstill.
LNER, the main operator, said on X: “Severe weather is causing major disruption to train services. Many rail routes are suspended. Please do NOT travel today.
“We have a number of train services currently delayed by this incident and we are working with Network Rail to get these trains moving through the affected area as soon as possible.
“Heavy rain flooding the railway between Grantham and Newark North Gate means trains have to run at a severely reduced speed on all lines.
“The additional journey time caused by the slow speeds is reducing the number of trains that can operate through the affected area.”
Tickets for travel on 20 October will be valid for travel until 27 October. The line is flooded at Grantham, with many trains to the north and south cancelled.
ScotRail has closed seven routes in eastern Scotland. It says: “Exceptionally wet and windy conditions have severely affected much of the country since Thursday, causing the Met Office to issue a red weather warning alongside a number of amber warnings.
“Another 24-hour red weather warning will come into place from midnight tonight in the northeast of the country and elsewhere there will still be very heavy rainfall and gusts of winds exceeding 55 miles per hour until at least Saturday afternoon.”
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 18:01
Rail service disruption could last until Sunday
Disruption to Scotland’s rail services could last until Sunday because of Storm Babet, operator ScotRail has warned.
Routes that are currently closed will not re-open unless it is deemed safe to do so.
ScotRail said it was taking longer than expected for engineers to inspect routes for damage due to the effect of the weather.
Customers have been warned they should only travel if necessary on routes affected.
Services between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen/Inverness, and between Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen/Inverness are also subject to disruption.
Other routes across the network are having precautionary speed restrictions imposed, so services may be delayed or cancelled.
Jane Dalton20 October 2023 17:45
References
- ^ Third person dies and plane skids off runway as Storm Babet batters UK (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ Plane comes off runway at Leeds Bradford Airport during Storm Babet (www.independent.co.uk)