Friday 6 Dec 2024
Passengers advised to check before they travel as railway workers prepare for Storm Darragh
- Region & Route:
- North West & Central
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North West & Central: North West
Passengers are advised to check before they travel this weekend as Storm Darragh is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain.
Teams across the North West are preparing for winds of up to 80mph from this afternoon (Friday 6 December) until Sunday (8 December).
The Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings for wind in the area. Passengers travelling in the Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, and Cumbria in particular should take extra care and plan their journeys in advance.
Strong wind can bring down trees onto the railway which can block the path of trains. Wind can also damage overhead line equipment, which supplies power to electric trains in many parts of the North West.
People living near to the railway are being urged to secure loose objects in their gardens, such as trampolines and furniture, as these objects can blow onto the tracks and block the line.
Chris Pye, Network Rail’s North West infrastructure director, said: “We are doing everything we can to prepare the railway for Storm Darragh.
“I’d urge passengers to check before they travel as there may be some disruption to services during the extreme weather.
“If you live near the railway, please can you secure any loose objects in your gardens such as trampolines and furniture. It is a serious safety risk if they blow onto the tracks and creates more work for our teams who will be on hand around the clock to keep passengers safely on the move.”
Passengers should check with their train operator or on the National Rail website for up-to-date travel advice during the weekend.
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