Train passengers told to work from home as Storm Ciaran causes …
A severe weather alert for gales has been issued to road users in the Southeast by National Highways, while train passengers have been warned disruption means its best to work from home due to Storm Ciarán. The worst period of weather can be expected on Thursday (November 2) but rail operators have advised journeys may also be impacted on Wednesday and Friday.
Network Rail Wessex said: “Storm Ciarán is highly likely to disrupt train services late Wednesday night and all day Thursday. We’re working closely with the Met Office and South Western Railway (SWR) to make sure we have the right people in the right places so we can keep passengers moving as quickly and safely as possible.”
Rail operators with services to and from coastal and more southern areas said trains will have to slow down if Storm Ciarán arrives as forecast and advised some routes may need to be closed. Southeastern said disruption in Kent is “highly likely” from late on Wednesday and all of Thursday.
A severe weather alert for gales has been issued to drivers and train disruption is likely (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
An amended SWR timetable will be in place on parts of the network on the South Coast and in the West of England with short-notice service changes possible on Thursday. Passengers should check their journey online[3] before they travel. A SWR spokesperson said: “Storm Ciarán will bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of our network and so, as a precaution, we are making temporary changes to our timetable on Thursday, November 2.
“Because of the potential for disruption we’re asking our customers to consider if their journeys are entirely necessary. Customers may also wish to consider travelling on alternative days, as ticket acceptance is in place for today and Friday.
“We have been preparing for this storm with our colleagues at Network Rail, but we can’t rule out disruption in those areas of our network on Thursday. In the event of disruption, we won’t be able to run rail replacement bus services, so it’s really important that customers check their whole journey before setting off, if they do intend to travel.” SWR also told passengers on Tuesday (October 31) to “please take care” because stations may be slippery due to wet and windy conditions.
Thameslink, Southern Railway, and Gatwick Express said Storm Ciarán is expected to cause “significant disruption to trains across the southeast of England” in the same period. Southern Railway said: “You should work from home on Thursday if you can, avoiding any non-essential journeys, particularly early on Thursday morning,” a spokesman said.
The Met Office has warned of a ‘danger to life’ due to flying debris[4] caused by strong winds from Storm Ciarán.Storm Ciarán is likely to bring a spell of very strong winds to southern parts of the UK. Winds are likely to frequently gust 50-60 mph inland, perhaps 70 mph in a few exposed locations. There is currently a yellow weather warning in place across Surrey for Wednesday (November 1) and Thursday.
The Met Office said: “Very strong and potentially damaging winds associated with Storm Ciarán are likely late Wednesday onwards into Thursday Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible, some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen. Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.”
The Met Office has also given its latest verdict for Bonfire night weather[5]. The remnants of Storm Ciarán could cause issues with “wet, and potentially very windy weather” forecast for the weekend.
At the weekend the weather should ease up but still has the potential to be a bit soggy. Bonfire goers should bring cagoules and wellies as rain is forecast through the firework period. Luckily the wind should have died down from the 50mph predicted for Thursday, meaning that it is likely all events will go ahead. A full bonfire night weather outlook can be found here.[6]
Get more news from SurreyLive straight to your inbox for free HERE.[7]
References
- ^ Met Office warns of ‘danger to life’ from flying debris as Storm Ciarán brings 60mph winds (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Bonfire Night weather in Surrey for fireworks as Met Office issues verdict on Storm Ciarán (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ check their journey online (www.southwesternrailway.com)
- ^ ‘danger to life’ due to flying debris (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ erdict for Bonfire night weather (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ here. (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ HERE. (www.getsurrey.co.uk)