‘Do not travel on mainline routes’, warns Southeastern as Storm …
Rail company bosses are expecting "severe disruption" to its services tomorrow (November 2) as Storm Ciaran hits the county. Train passengers are also being "strongly" advised to not travel on 'mainline' routes before at least 9am.
Southeastern said: "Storm Ciarán will bring very high winds to our region throughout Thursday. Given the high winds that are forecast and the risk of fallen trees and debris being blown on to the tracks, we'll need to check that routes are clear of obstructions before trains are able to run, this will result in cancellations of early morning trains on our Mainline routes.
"Speed restrictions will be introduced on many routes, especially those to and from the Kent[1] coast, which will result in significant disruption." It added: "We strongly advise that you do not attempt to travel on the following routes before at least 09:00: Ashford - London via Maidstone East or Tonbridge; Dover - London via Canterbury East or Tonbridge; Faversham - London via Chatham; Hastings - London via Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge; Ramsgate - London via Canterbury West, Faversham or Dover; Paddock Wood - Strood."
The firm added, even after this time, "severe disruption" was highly likely throughout Thursday so it would "recommend you work from home if you can or postpone your journey until Friday". And, if routes do close, replacement transport will not be available as there's likely to be an impact on the roads as well. Find out more about the changes to train services here[4].
On the roads, National Highways[5], the government company which looks after England's motorways and major A roads, has also given a warning to drivers for tomorrow. It said the Dartford Crossing[6], the Sheppey and Medway crossings, and the Port of Dover were likely to be impacted.
Three ferry companies use Port of Dover: P&O Ferries, and Irish Ferries which go to Calais; and DFDS[7] which goes to Calais and Dunkirk. P&O and DFDS have already cancelled some sailings this evening due to Storm Ciaran.
DFDS has also warned of further delays to services due to "strong winds in the Channel". Irish Ferries has not yet cancelled any, according to its scheduled departure page.
There is a Met Office amber weather warning for most of Kent for tomorrow from 6am, with winds forecast to potentially reach up to 85mph in some parts of the county. There is also a yellow warning for rain, which will fall on already saturated ground, making the risk of trees falling even greater, forecasters have warned.
People have also been warned flying debris could be a risk to life[8] and power cables could be brought down, trees could topple and even roofs of buildings and homes could be blown off. The Met Office's chief meteorologist Dan Suri said Storm Ciaran would bring "possible gusts perhaps exceeding 85mph in the most exposed locations".
Storm Ciarán flying debris could cause a danger to life in Kent (Image: The Met Office)
The deep low pressure system would bring heavy rain to many parts of the UK, including much of southern England, he added. He also warned this rain would fall on already saturated ground, bringing the risk of flooding.
Never get stuck in a jam again with our FREE traffic and travel email for KentLive readers. Find out more here.[9]
References
- ^ Kent (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Storm Ciarán flying debris could cause 'a danger to life' tomorrow in Kent (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Drivers urged to avoid travelling as emergency road closure extended (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ train services here (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk)
- ^ National Highways (nationalhighways.co.uk)
- ^ Dartford Crossing (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ DFDS (go.skimresources.com)
- ^ flying debris could be a risk to life (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Find out more here. (data.reachplc.com)