Storm Eunice disrupts London's rail, roads and airports as red weather warning covers capital

Storm Eunice disrupted London's rail, roads and airports on Friday as high winds swept across the UK with gusts in the capital up to 70mph.

London rail operators advised passengers not to travel as the severe red weather warning covered London, Kent, Surrey, Essex and East Sussex.

It is the first time such a warning has ever been issued for London or the South East.

In a statement National Rail said: "High winds can lead to speed restrictions being imposed for safety reasons.

"Trains then need to travel more slowly, leading to extended journey times.

"They can also lead to trees and debris being blown onto train lines which blocks train movements.

"In extreme weather events, train services may have to be cancelled for a period of time."

The following rail companies serving London and the South East were asking people not to travel.

• Avanti West Coast

• c2c **ALL SERVICES CANCELLED**

• Chiltern Railways **ALL SERVICES CANCELLED*

• CrossCountry

• Greater Anglia **ALL SERVICES CANCELLED*

• Great Western Railway **ALL SERVICES CANCELLED*

• LNER

• London Northwestern Railway

• Southeastern **ALL SERVICES CANCELLED*

• Southern

• South Western Railway **ALL SERVICES CANCELLED*

• Thameslink

In a statement, Transport for London which runs London's Tube, bus, tram, Overground and TfL Rail lines added: "Due to the Met Office's red warning over Storm Eunice, customers are advised to only travel if essential and those who need to should check before they travel using our website and the TfL Go app.

"We are doing all we can to ensure we are prepared for any impact with extra staff ready to respond quickly to any incidents but some services will be affected by the extreme weather. We are also urging Londoners to please take care if they travel around the city."

London mayor Sadiq Khan, added: "The Met Office has issued a rare ‘Red Weather Warning’ for London today due to the expected impact of Storm Eunice.

 "This Red Warning indicates a risk to life as extremely strong winds are now expected in the capital, providing the potential for flying debris and damage to buildings.

"I urge all Londoners to stay at home, do not take risks and do not travel unless it is absolutely essential.

"City Hall is in close contact with key agencies across the capital and our city is as prepared as possible for any potential impacts of Storm Eunice.

"However, it is vital that Londoners listen to the official advice today and stay at home until the storm has passed."

Roads were also expected to be treacherous on Friday. The AA said on Thursday it was "experiencing a very high demand" for its breakdown rescue services.

British Airways said the rate of aircraft allowed to land at Heathrow Airport "is being reduced due to gale force winds".

Dozens of flights were forced to abort landings before going around and trying again to land at the West London airport.

Gatwick Airport is also warning of delays and cancellations to some of its flights.

The public are being urged to stay at home and the Army is on standby to help with any damage and disruption caused by the storm

The Met Office added that the dangerous weather phenomenon known as a sting jet – a small area of highly intense wind inside a storm – could form later on Friday.