Storm Ciara: Rail cancellations as 80 mph winds set to hit Wales

Transport for Wales is urging customers to check their train services before travelling on Sunday as Storm Ciara sweeps across the country on Sunday.

Gusts of up to 80mph could be felt in some coastal areas this weekend with the Met Office warning of "very strong winds" throughout Wales and the rest of the UK.

Transport for Wales says there will be no service on many lines, and there will be alterations to services on major routes.

On Sunday, there will be no trains on the following lines:

  • Heart of Wales

  • Cambrian Line (West of Shrewsbury)

  • Shrewsbury-Birmingham International (West Midlands Trains hourly service still running)

  • West of Llandudno Junction to Holyhead

  • Llandudno Town – Llandudno

  • Lines West of Swansea

  • Barry to Bridgend via Vale of Glamorgan

  • Blaenau Branch

  • Ebbw Vale Branch

  • Maesteg Branch

There will also be no services north of Pontypridd to Treherbert, Merthyr or Aberdare.

Meanwhile, marches line services to and from Manchester will start and terminate at Crewe. Transport for Wales says its "unable to provide replacement road transport for those routes affected".

Porthcawl was hit by Storm Brendan last month. Credit: PA Images

The Met Office has a 'be aware' warning for gales and rain in place for the whole of Wales on Sunday.

Some sporting events have been cancelled or postponed due to the severe weather warning.

The Llanelli Half Marathon, which was due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed until March.

The charity race organisers said: “It is with regret we have to inform all our runners, supporters and public that we must postpone the 2020 Risk Kitchen Llanelli Half Marathon.

"Our decision has not been taken lightly and whilst it may appear that we have made the call early, the yellow weather warning issued for Carmarthenshire over this coming weekend has reinforced our decision.

"With up to gale force 9 winds expected, we need to prioritise the safety of all our runners, volunteers, contractors, crew and spectators.”

West Wales Women's and Girls' League cancelled all of its under-sevens and under-tens games at Cwrt Herbert, Morriston and Penyrheol.

Fans travelling back to Wales from the Saturday's Six Nations game at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, could face disruption. Credit: PA Images

The Welsh Rugby Union has not announced any plans to cancel or postpone Wales' Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Fans travelling back from Dublin on ferries and by air could face disruption.

Traffic Wales has issued advice to drivers travelling in high winds:

  • Remember to keep both hands on the wheel

  • Keep your speed down

  • Be ready for stronger winds and gusts on exposed stretches of road or when passing high-sided vehicles

  • Take care and leave extra room around cyclists and motorcyclists

  • Keep your distance from other vehicles, especially high-sided vehicles and caravans

  • Plan your journey carefully, checking weather and traffic bulletins regularly

  • Expect lower speed limits or temporary closures on exposed bridges - especially for high-sided vehicles - and road closures due to fallen debris or accidents.

There is also a possibility of some snow over high ground on Sunday, according to the Met Office.

South Wales Police is reminding drivers not to leave their car unattended when clearing ice from the windscreen.