Storm Darragh: Full list of rail, road and air travel disruptions

Millions across the UK have been urged to remain indoors as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc this weekend, resulting in widespread travel chaos and power outages. The Met Office's[1] "risk to life" red alert has triggered a slew of cancellations, including trains and flights, and road closures. As reported by The Mirror[2], the alert was actioned at 1am on Saturday, specifically targeting regions under the red warning for wind, encompassing Wales and the South West. The Met Office reported that by nightfall, wind gusts had reached a staggering 92mph at Capel Curig in North Wales, and similarly high speeds battered Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula.

Coastal areas in Wales and Northern Ireland recorded winds ranging from 72-78mph. The storm left thousands in Northern Ireland, England, and Wales without electricity. At the break of dawn, at 5am, over 12,600 households in the Midlands and South West were disconnected from the grid, per National Grid reports.

In addition, 20,000 Welsh homes experienced power cuts. As would be expected, travel disruptions are rampant, with trains annulled, flights postponed, and roads shut down.

Train cancellations

Network Rail issued an online update, cautioning: "Storm Darragh and severe weather[3] are expected to bring significant disruption with heavy rain and wind across parts of Great Britain. Please check your journey in full before travelling."

The storm is set to disrupt LNER services until Sunday morning, according to the website. There's also a disruption between Lewes and Eastbourne currently. Meanwhile, all TransPennine Express services are expected to be affected until Sunday morning.

Merseyrail services are also being impacted by the weather warning, with changes to train timetables. Network Rail Wales has halted all train services west of Cardiff[4] due to fallen trees blocking the lines. All South Western Rail, Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, and Northern services are set to be disrupted by the storm until tomorrow morning, with changes to timetables and cancellations.

Chiltern Railway services are advising passengers to only travel if absolutely necessary, and have warned that there will be disruptions to their services. Disruptions to train services between Leeds and Wakefield Westgate are expected.

Road closures

There are several road closures across the UK. The main motorway connecting south Wales to England has been closed in various places due to the storm.

The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) due to strong winds associated with Storm Darragh. The M4[5] Prince of Wales Bridge in Gloucestershire is also closed in both directions due to strong winds. The A66 between North Yorkshire (A1M) and Cumbria (M6) is closed in both directions due to strong winds resulting from Storm Darragh. National Highways has sounded the alarm with an amber severe weather alert for Strong Winds in the South West and North West, effective from 1am to 9pm today.

Both regions' travellers are being urged to prepare for possible upheaval to their plans. As Storm Darragh's powerful gusts wreak havoc, the A5 has been shut both ways between the B5070 at Gledrid and the A483 at Halton. The onslaught of Storm Darragh has compelled National Highways to close several key structures for safety; this includes the M4 and Severn Bridge, M48, as well as the QEII Bridge at Dartford Crossing due to fierce winds.

Over in the West Midlands, similar precautions have seen the A5 sealed off from the wind's relentless force.

Flight cancellations

Air travel has not escaped unscathed. Cardiff Airport has temporarily grounded all flights, with their official website advising, "Passengers due to fly this weekend are advised to contact their airline or tour operator, as we do anticipate some disruption." Although Gatwick maintains normal service, Heathrow alerts passengers of likely delays, recommending flight confirmations pre-departure.

While Heathrow faces minimal cancellations, most services remain timely. Manchester airport reports smooth operations aside from a handful of incoming flight delays attributed to the storm. Edinburgh remains punctual, functioning per usual amidst the adverse conditions.

At Liverpool John Lennon Airport, several incoming flights have been cancelled following delays from other parts of the UK.

Ferry services

Some ferry services have been disrupted with DFDS announcing: "The scheduled sailing of King Seaways on 6th December 2024 departing Newcastle to Amsterdam and Princess Seaways on 6th December 2024 departing Amsterdam to Newcastle have been cancelled."

References

1. ^ The Met Office's (weather.metoffice.gov.uk)
2. ^ The Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ weather (www.walesonline.co.uk)
4. ^ Cardiff (www.walesonline.co.uk)
5. ^ The M4 (www.walesonline.co.uk)