UK weather: Rail disruption continues amid flooded lines and power cuts

Speed restrictions imposed on many busy lines because of debris on tracks

Rain, wind and thunderstorms are forecast for Saturday and Sunday, causing further disruption on many of Britain’s railways.

The Met Office is warning: “Very windy across the south with both coastal and inland gales, with sunny spells and scattered showers.

“Further north occasional heavy, slow-moving showers, with a risk of hail and thunder.”

Heavy rain has flooded the West Coast main line in Cumbria between Penrith and Carlisle.

“Trains running between these stations may be delayed by up to 45 minutes, revised or cancelled,” said National Rail.

Passengers on Virgin Trains customers may use their ticket on CrossCountry services between Birmingham and Edinburgh via Derby and York, and on LNER services via any reasonable route.

In South East England, forecast severe weather is expected to affect services across the Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink network on Saturday.

“Wind speeds will increase throughout the day and may exceed 50mph at times,” passengers are being told.

National Rail warned: ”Speed restrictions will be in place on the south coast and throughout Kent. With trains moving more slowly, delays are likely to occur.”

Thameslink and Great Northern services north of London suffered severe disruption due to power cuts.

The operators, both part of Govia, said: “We are continuing to work though the list of displaced stock, and further alterations due to Fridays disruption may still be necessary. We will publish these as soon as possible.

“You are strongly advised to check your journey before travelling, and should consider travelling later if possible.”

Many services on the East Coast main line were heavily delayed. The author, Jini Reddy, tweeted: “Amazingly have been on a delayed @lner train now for six hours (in addition to the four hours of the regular journey).

“I really, really feel for the crew and the driver who must be exhausted.”

National Rail said: “On Friday evening, a power failure affected southern parts of the UK, and this caused major disruption to trains to and from London Kings Cross. Although power has been restored, trains remain disrupted.”

The line between Guildford and Reading was closed following a tree falling across the line in the North Camp area.

“Trains may still be delayed by up to 30 minutes or cancelled,” says Great Western Railway.