Today’s travel is hit by the double whammy of Storm Lilian and bank holiday getaway rush (Picture: Ben Stansall /AFP via Getty)

The transport networks are under pressure as Storm Lilian blows over UK while millions head out for the long summer bank holiday weekend and festivals.

You might have woken up by the howling wind as the storm arrived this morning, with wind gusts of up to 80mph forecast and impact on transport today.

It’s going to be an eventful Friday for travel after train cancellations and delays due to a fallen tree between Rainham and Sittingbourne, Gatwick Express to the airport, and disruption on the London Overground service between Stratford and Clapham Junction and Richmond.

Elsewhere, British Airways cancelled flights at Heathrow Airport after airport traffic control restrictions due to bad weather.

Roads are set to be busy despite the windy weather as 3.2 million car journeys are predicted for today alone, according to the RAC.


Fallen tree on train tracks

Storm Lilian is making itself known as it is likely to wreak havoc on transport this morning, including on the railways.

In the Newington area, a tree has fallen on tracks, causing ‘significant damage.’

It means the track between Rainham and Sittingbourne and towards London stations is blocked.

Tony Provan, a passenger on one of the affected trains, said he was ‘stuck’ after the tree came down on the railway.

List of flights cancelled at Heathrow Airport

British Airways has axed a number of flights today at Heathrow, including to holiday destinations such as Rome and Paris.

Read more below to see the full list of cancelled flights by the airline.

Delays on Gatwick Express trains

Speed restrictions on a defective track between Gatwick Airport and Purley means trains have to run slower.

Services – Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink trains – could be delayed until 8.30am, National Rail said.

No trains between Watford and St Albans

It’s going to be a sticky commute for some after a faulty train has blocked the railway between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey.

No trains can run until it’s repaired, affecting London Northwestern Railway services between these stations.

Trains will be cancelled as a result, and the disruption is expected to last until 7.30am.


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