All rail services cancelled due to Storm Eunice
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All rail services in the Vale of Glamorgan will be cancelled from tomorrow, 18th February, to keep passengers safe as Storm Eunice is expected to bring gusts of up to 100mph.
Train services will be suspended for the whole day, with disruption likely to continue into the weekend, so that more than 1,000 miles of track can be checked and cleared of debris and fallen trees.
Winds of up to 100mph could hit coastlines around Wales, while winds of between 60 and 80mph could impact inland.
Due to the level of extreme weather expected, rail replacement services will not be able to operate as the road network will also be disrupted.
Transport for Wales is allowing passengers with tickets for tomorrow or Saturday to travel today or over the weekend, or Monday, if services have resumed by then. Original tickets will be valid for these journeys.
GWR is also allowing passengers to travel on alternative days with tickets valid today through to and including Monday 21st February.
Avanti West Coast passengers with tickets for Friday can use their tickets today or on Saturday 19th February.
The decision has been made jointly by Network Rail and train operators with the safety of passengers and railway staff paramount.
Bill Kelly, Network Rail Wales & Borders route director, said: “The decision to temporarily close the railway in Wales has not been made lightly but the safety of passengers and staff is our top priority.
“Storm Eunice is expected to bring extreme high winds of up to 100mph and in places it is very likely trees and debris will be blown onto train lines.
“We are sorry for the disruption caused by closing the railway and we will continue to work hard, along with our train operator colleagues, to get train services back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Passengers who are planning to travel over the weekend are strongly advised to check before they travel as the unpredictable nature of storms such as Storm Eunice means the impact on services can change quickly.”
Martyn Brennan, Operations Director at Transport for Wales, said: “The safety of our customers and our colleagues sits at the very heart of what we do and for this reason, we have taken the difficult decision to suspend all TfW services Friday until it is safe to re-open. The extreme weather forecast for Storm Eunice is very concerning, so we are strongly advising people not to attempt to travel during this time as services will not be operating.
“For those who have already purchased a ticket to travel during Storm Eunice, they can choose to either travel today, Thursday 17th, on Saturday 19th or on Sunday 20th. Alternatively, customers can claim a full refund in the normal way. I would like to thank customers for their understanding and support.”
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “Speed restrictions will be put in place on our network, but the extent of those restrictions can only be determined by conditions on the ground and are likely to change throughout the day.
“We will continue to run as many trains as we can but those who need to travel should be aware that we will have to reduce the number of trains we can run, journey times will take longer, and those trains we can run will be much busier.
“Please do heed the usual advice to check before you travel.”
The First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said: “We are working very closely with national agencies, local authorities and the emergency services to prepare for the incoming storm Eunice.
“A red warning has been issued for much of south Wales from 7am tomorrow, which means there is a danger to life. Amber warnings will be in place from early Friday morning for the rest of the country.
“We are expecting significant disruption to travel – all trains in Wales will be cancelled on Friday – so please think carefully and only travel tomorrow if absolutely necessary.
“I attended a COBR meeting earlier today and the Welsh Government cabinet is meeting to discuss preparations for the storm.
“We will constantly monitor the situation and will keep the people of Wales updated.
“Please make preparations today so you can keep yourself and loved ones safe.”
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