Train passengers urged not to travel as Storm Pia 'to bring winds of 80mph'

EMBARGOED TO 0001 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29 File photo dated 23/05/22 of commuters and travellers at Edinburgh's Waverley Station. A failure to attract more customers to the railway risks a permanently smaller network, an industry body has warned. Rail Partners, which represents independent passenger and freight train operators, published a report urging the Government to take urgent action to "avoid a spiral of decline". Issue date: Tuesday November 29, 2022.
Commuters at Edinburgh's Waverley Station. Credit: PA

A train operator has “strongly” urged its customers not to travel on certain services today as Storm Pia is expected to bring winds of up to 80mph.

TransPennine Express (TPE) asked customers to delay their journeys in and out of Edinburgh until after 3pm, as parts of the UK brace for high winds.

A yellow weather warning for wind came into effect at midnight and will last until 9pm, with forecasted gusts of 70mph to 80mph in northern Scotland.

Winds are expected to be as strong as 45mph to 55mph elsewhere in the country, with the warning also covering Belfast, Newcastle upon Tyne and Manchester.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland warned people on the roads to be aware of the potential for falling trees and debris.

Chef convicted of murder after undercover police probe jailed for life

A statement said: “Road users are advised of potential traffic disruption this morning, Thursday 21st December, caused by fallen trees and debris in some areas across Northern Ireland.

“Officers have been assisting with traffic control whilst local roads are being cleared of any obstructions, and we thank you for your patience as we continue to do so.”

Schools in Shetland will be closed on Thursday and more electricity network engineers are being brought in to deal with any power cuts. Ferry services across the west coast of Scotland are expected to be disrupted, CalMac said.

TPE said there will be speed restrictions in place from the early hours for trains running to and from Edinburgh and that it will not run services between the city and north-west England until Thursday afternoon.

(PA Graphics) Credit: PA Graphics

Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience and operations director for TPE, said: “Our number one priority is to keep our customers and colleagues safe, and we will be doing all we can to keep people moving in difficult conditions.

“We are urging anyone travelling across the affected routes to plan ahead, allow extra time, check their journey up until the last minute, and follow the guidance provided.”

Elsewhere on the trains, Network Rail said many services will only run once safety inspections have taken place, leading to some cancellations.

The West Highland line, Kyle of Lochalsh line, and the Far North line, along with Inverness-Inverurie services, will all be subject to inspections before trains can run, and speed restrictions will also be in place in the central belt and the south of Scotland.

NHS junior doctors in England begin three-day strike

Travellers have been warned of “short notice changes to journeys” on ScotRail services and are advised to check ahead, while additional engineers will be deployed to deal with any incidents.

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said: “It is quite a wide wind warning area. Gusts are forecast quite widely to be 45mph to 55mph, possibly 65mph to 70mph to the east of high ground in Scotland.

“The strongest winds are likely to be found in the north and north-east of Scotland, including the Northern Isles, with 70mph to 80mph in the morning.”

The Met Office also forecasts showers, with more rain expected on Friday.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…