Storms in the south, snow in the north: Chaos on road and rail as millions scramble to beat the weather in the great Christmas getaway

 

• Met Office issues severe weather warning, with threat of 80mph gusts and localised flooding in Britain
• Motorists braced to prepare for delays, particularly those heading to South-West England and Scotland
• Parts of Cumbria have also experienced heavy snowfall as motorists battle with wintry conditions in the North
• 21 rail operators warn commuters to expect disruption as services are cut and speed restrictions imposed
• Environment Agency has 73 flood alerts and six flood warnings, with majority in South-East and South-West
• Around 5,000 homes across the South West, including 3,000 Cornwall, left without power due to the weather

By Martin Robinson and Wills Robinson

Millions have had their plans for the Christmas getaway thrown into complete chaos today as a violent storm spreads eastwards across the UK over the next 24 hours.
Major railway stations, airports and major roads are filling up with festive travellers after they were urged to bring forward their journeys because bad weather has set in across the majority of the UK this afternoon.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning running into Christmas Eve because of gale force winds of up to 90mph and flooding caused by torrential rain.
A gust of 87mph has been recorded at Capel Curig in Conwy, North Wales, while at Berry Head in Torbay, Devon, wind speeds hit of 76mph.

The storm will strike in two waves, first peaking across the UK this afternoon, with a slight lull in the evening before wind and rain intensifies again overnight before clearing on Christmas Eve morning.

Many train operators have offered customers the chance to use any pre-booked tickets for travel on earlier trains in order to avoid the expected disruption, with hundreds of cancellations expected during the evening rush hour.
If the trains do run journeys are likely to be substantially lengthened as a nationwide train 'go slow' of 50mph is likely to be imposed across most of the network.
Around 14,000 homes have also been left without power across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Berkshire after wind and falling trees brought down cables.

Congestion: The traffic begins to build on the M6 as people look to get ahead of the storm

Patently waiting: Train passengers stand at Euston station in London after they were urged to bring forward their journeys before storm conditions potentially decimates rail services in the next 24 hours

Battering: This plane struggles to stay level and it takes off in increasingly difficult conditions at Heathrow Terminal 5 this afternoon

Shut down: The Queen Elizabeth II bridge at Dartford, one of the busiest spots on the M5 around London, was shut down at Midday today because of high winds

DISRUPTIONS ON THE TRAINS

• Train operators have lifted ticket restrictions for today and tomorrow.
• Have urged customers to travel earlier.
• Speed limits of 50mph this afternoon will cause journey times to lengthen.
• Localised flooding has caused severe disruption in the South West and Wales.
• Train companies are also allowing passengers to travel with other operators to held ease the travel chaos.

The unsettled spell of weather will continue over the Christmas period, but the worst is expected to be clear by the end of Christmas Eve, the Met Office said.
The south-west, Wales and southern England are expected to be the worst hit, with Scotland also expected to suffer badly with snow, sleet and widespread ice.
Andy Page, Met Office chief forecaster, said: 'A rapidly deepening area of low pressure is developing to the west of Ireland and is forecast to pass just to the north west of the UK overnight and on Tuesday.
'This will bring stormy conditions to the UK with the strongest winds likely along coastlines exposed to the south on Monday night and for Northern Ireland, the north and north west of Scotland on Tuesday.
'This brings the potential for possible disruption to transport because of the strong winds and also localised flooding in some areas.
'The public are advised to stay up to date with the latest Met Office forecasts and National Severe Weather Warnings and find out what to do in severe weather so they can plan ahead and be prepared for the weather in store and make the most of the festive season.'

Rest: A girl takes a seat as she prepares herself for long delays at London Kings Cross

 

Rush: Passengers rush to get a seat on trains at London Kings Cross as trains across the country are cancelled

Waiting: Passengers at Birmingham New Street Station await updates on their disrupted journeys

 

Chaos: A woman waiting for her family at Birmingham New Street waits for updates as numerous journeys are cancelled or disrupted

Frustrated: A man holding a gift waits as train services from London Euston suffer sever delays

 

Emma Compton, a forecaster at the Met Office, added: 'The disruption to transport could be quite severe.'
Robin Gisby, managing director of operational services for Network Rail, said the next couple of days will be a challenge.
'Our fundamental concern over the next 48 hours is to get everyone where they want to be for Christmas.
'It won't be an easy task given the forecast conditions and disruption is likely - but I want to be very clear that our priority is running as many trains as we can safely, rather than worrying about hitting the timetable bang on,' he said.
He said hundreds of engineers and other staff will be across the network over the next two days, ready to react quickly to any problems, removing debris and fixing equipment where necessary.
Meanwhile, airports are advising passengers to check with their airlines before travelling and to leave additional time for their journey to the airport.
Chris Burton, from weather forecaster MeteoGroup, said the combination of wind and rain could cause flooding, bring down trees and leave widespread disruption to rail and road travel.
He said: 'The rain is going to be heaviest and most persistent across southern areas of England, the Midlands and Wales, with up to 2in (50mm) of rain falling.
'There has been plenty of wet weather in the last week or so, there is a risk of localised or even widespread flooding if the rain continues overnight tonight, as expected.
'Strong winds will continue throughout today, with gusts of 60mph across England and Wales, Northern Ireland and western Scotland. Overnight they will be even stronger, with gusts of 70mph or 80mph possible across south east England and East Anglia.
'But by first thing tomorrow morning the weather should have turned a bit less wet and windy.'
Residents in York have already been hit by severe flooding after heavy rain across North Yorkshire caused the River Ouse to burst its banks.
The bad weather has resulted in thousands of homes left without power in the West Country.
A spokeswoman for Western Power Distribution said high winds brought down overhead power lines.
'Approximately 360 customers are without power off the Lizard in Cornwall because of overhead lines being down due to the high winds,' she said.
'It started at approximately 8am and it should be resolved soon.'

 

 

 

Bleak picture: The Met Office's has warned that there will be floods, trees down and huge travel disruption as Britain struggles to cope with a severe Christmas storm over the coming two days

Wet: A British airways aircraft takes off at a rainy Heathrow airport

Dangerous: A train is battered by waves as it passes through the Dawlish station in Devon

Precautions: Gritting lorries cover the south of the A9 in Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorms, Scotland, as heavy snow falls on the busy trunk road

Snow scene: The roofs of the houses in Nentwhich, Cumbria, are covered by a thick layer of snow which fell over the Pennines

Accident: A car skids and flips onto its roof near Ballater, North east Scotland, as the conditions begin to take their toll

Veered: A gritting lorry slides off the road in the Scottish Borders as snow continues to fall

Huge waves: The choppy sea batters the harbour at Lyme Regis in Dorset where the fishing fleet remains at anchor

Rising: A man captures the staggering water levels next to the train line between Tiverton and Taunton

On the road: Motorists face disruption as heavy rain, pictured on the A14 near Cambridge yesterday, and winds of up to 80mph are expected to hit the UK

UK Power Networks said they were monitoring the weather closely, and said they have 'robust emergency plans in place to cope with severe weather', adding that they have brought in additional staff covering engineer, technical and call centre roles.

Taking its toll: The strong winds cause a tree trunk to fall and crush a van on Cannings Road in East Croydon, London

The Tamar Bridge in Plymouth, between Devon and Cornwall, was closed to high-sided vehicles, motorbikes and caravans due to 'high gusting winds'.
'By lunchtime it will be everywhere,' Ms Compton said this morning. 'It's going to be fairly persistent.'
The highest wind speed was recorded in Capel Curig in Wales, with gales blowing at 75mph.
Not far behind was Berry Head in Devon with gusts of 73mph, and St Mary's Airport in the Isles of Scilly with winds of 71mph.A Met Office spokesman said: 'The strongest winds will move across the country.'
The largest amount of rainfall so far has been recorded in Whitechurch, Dyfed, where rainfall has reached 19.6mm (0.77 inches).
Ms Compton warned that south west-facing places will see the worst of the rain, adding that it is 'already falling on quite saturated ground', with the risk of flooding.
'There will be snow for a short time in Scotland but it will turn back to rain,' she said.
Ms Compton said 0.8in (20mm) to 1.2in (30mm) of rain is expected in some places, but southern facing slopes may get more.
'Places like Dartmoor in Devon could see 60mm (2.4in).'
In terms of wind, the worst place will be the south coast and any higher ground, which could see 'severe gales' at 70-80mph, Ms Compton warned.
'But more places inland could see wind speeds up to 60mph, so that's going to be strong throughout the course of the day and ease this evening.'
Ms Compton warned that the wind will pick up again during the night and Kent faces particularly strong gales.
The QEII Bridge at Dartford was closed at lunchtime as winds were expected to exceed 60mph, the Highways Agency said.
The closure is expected to remain in place until approximately 4am tomorrow when it is predicted that the high winds will ease.

CANCELLATIONS, DELAYS AND DISRUPTION: TRANSPORT UPDATE FOR BRITAIN'S MONDAY COMMUTE

TRAINS
As the weather front moves in, train companies are warning customers of heavy disruptions this afternoon and this evening.
The worst of the weather is expected to hit large parts of the south of England and Wales with the most severe delays expected between 17:00 and 18:00.
Emergency speed restrictions of 50mph are likely to be imposed by National Rail, meaning journey times will be significantly longer.
Many train companies are also offering customers the chance to use pre-booked tickets to travel on earlier trains in order to avoid the disruption and are being told to travel this afternoon only if absolutely necessary.

• 

  Warnings: Passengers at Stevenage Train Station are advised to travel 'only if unavoidable'
  
  Arriva Trains Wales: Flooding means trains are not stopping at Pontypirdd.
• c2c: Running service at reduced speed after 18:00. Delayed services from London Fenchurch Street because of electrical supply problems
• Chiltern: Normal service on most routes .
• CrossCountry: Normal service on most routes.
• East Coast: Services cancelled between London Kings Cross and Leeds, Newark and Newcastle. Ticket restrictions for today and tomorrow have been lifted.
• East Midlands Trains: Running a significantly reduced service between London St Pancras and Peterborough, Sheffield and Liverpool. There will only be two trains every hour after 6pm.
• First Capital Connect: Some services into London Kings Cross cancelled. Greathern Northern and Thameslink routes most affected.
• First Great Western: Line closed between Tiverton and Taunton. Running with delays of up to an hour.
• First Hull: Ticket restrictions have been lifted, but passengers have been advised to avoid travelling this afternoon.
• First TransPennine Express: Customers with tickets for December 23 and 24 can travel any time between now and Christmas Eve.
• Gatwick Express: Some trains cancelled or delayed because of 50mph speed limit.
• Grand Central: Running with delays. Customers can also travel on East Coast and First Capital Connect Services to complete their journeys.
• Greater Anglia and Stansted Express: More than 50 trains cancelled this evening. Timetable also expected to be disrupted after 18:00. Trains will not run until 10am on Christmas Eve.
• Heathrow Connect: Running with a severely reduced service after 16:00.
• London Midland: Running with delays.
• 

  Bleak: Trains are cancelled at Kings Cross in London as operators prepare for the bad weather
  London Overground: Services between Highbury and Islington and Clapham Junction suspended because of planned engineering works.
• Merseyrail: Normal service
• Northern Rail: Disruptions expected this afternoon and this evening. Trains between Cleethorpes and Barton on Humber have been suspended.
• Scotrail: Normal service
• South West Trains: Will be running an ameded timetable from 1pm till 6am tomorrow at the earliest.Trains and Effingham Junction and Guilford delayed because of a tree on the line. From approximately 13:00 services between London Waterloo and Weymouth will only run between London Waterloo and Bournemouth. Services to and from Exeter St Davids / Yeovil Junction will start from / terminate at Salisbury. Some South West Trains services on various routes between London Waterloo and Reading, London Waterloo and Guildford and London Waterloo and Shepperton via Richmond after 17:00 are cancelled.
• Southeastern:50mph speed resriction will be in place after 4pm meaning some services will be cancelled and others severely affected. No trains will run before 07:00 tomorrow morning
• Southern: Reduced timetable because of 50mph speed restrictions this afternoon
• Virgin Trains: Full service with possible delays
  ROADS
• The AA has warned that road disruption is likely, on the second busiest travelling day of the year, and advised drivers to avoid any flood water.
• M25: Queen Elizabeth II bridge (Dartford Crossing from Essex to Kent) will be closed from Midday because of the weather.
• M48: Closed to high-sided vehicles.

AIRPORTS

• Disruptions are expected to be limited, but travellers are advised to check departure and arrival boards and leave extra time for the journey to the airport.

 

Michael Roberts, director general of the Rail Delivery Group which speaks on behalf of the rail industry, apologised to passengers whose journeys are affected by the weather.
He said rail staff are 'doing everything they can', adding: 'Where services are affected, operators are advising passengers to consider changing their travel plans and have already lifted ticket restrictions to help them do so.
'Passengers have been advised to travel earlier to take advantage of the greater flexibility being offered by some operators and anyone still looking to travel should check the National Rail Enquiries website for the latest information.'
The AA's specialist severe weather team has been deployed across southern counties.
Darron Burness, head of the AA's flood rescue team, said: 'We are working with the Environment Agency and the emergency services to provide support in the South West and elsewhere in southern counties.
'However, the situation is fast developing and we will change our plans to ensure we offer support where it is most needed. We expect the worst of the winds tomorrow to be in Northern Ireland, south and central Scotland and northern England.'

Delays: A man gets into the festive spirit in a Santa hat despite the bleak information on the departure boards

Weather watch: The Environment Agency had 73 flood alerts and six flood warnings in place last night, with the majority in the South-East and South-West

Shut: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London has closed today due to bad weather conditions

Uprooted: A tree felled by the strong winds blocks a road in Castle-An-Dinas near St Columb Major in Cornwall

Gusts: Market Street in Hatherleigh, Devon. was closed after debris from the roof fell onto the street

Brave: Shoppers in the Torquay, Devon, high street are pelted with rain and high winds as they struggle to do their last parts of the Christmas shopping.

 

 

Family: A dog owner looks after his two pets as he waits to board a train home for Christmas

The Environment Agency has warned communities across the South East to be vigilant and prepare for possible flooding.
There are 25 flood alerts in force across the region and the Environment Agency is asking people to stay away from promenades along the south coast because of the wet and windy conditions.
It is also asking people to takes steps to protect their homes from flooding and not to drive through dangerous floodwater.
Simon Beavan, regional flood and coastal risk manager, said: 'With more unsettled weather forecast for the South East, following recent heavy rainfall, there could be a lot of water in low-lying lands and on roads.
'Those who live in an area vulnerable to flooding should think about the precautions they can take to limit the damage a flood can cause to themselves and their property. Be prepared: check the Environment Agency website for the latest situation and advice.'
Train operators have been warning of widespread delays, disruptions and cancellations, and have made contingency plans with bus firms.
Network Rail said speed restrictions are likely on some routes and many train companies are advising passengers with tickets for today to travel earlier than their booked time, or to wait until tomorrow.
The Environment Agency urged people to check its flood forecasts and warned people to keep away from coastal promenades because of wet and windy conditions.
Six flood warnings are in place, along with 104 less serious flood alerts, the majority in southern England.

Blocked off: A car is forced to turn around after snow drifts cause the A93 in north east Scotland to close

Wintry scene: The village of Braemar in Scotland lies under a layer of snow

CHRISTMAS WEATHER FORECAST

Monday: A stormy day with cloud and heavy rain sweeping in from the south-west. The rain will spread to most areas by the afternoon and only slowly clear from north-western parts to leave squally showers by the evening. Gales or severe gales

Monday night: Apart from the South-East, rain will clear from much of the country to scattered showers and clear spells. The showers will be frequent and wintry in Scotland. Becoming stormy in Scotland with severe gales

Christmas Eve: Stormy in Scotland. Rain in the South-East will clear to leave sunny spells and wintry showers across the UK, mainly in the West.

Christmas Day: The strong winds will gradually ease and it will be a bright day with sunny spells and showers most frequent in the West along the coast

An East Coast spokesman said: ’As a result of the high winds and heavy rainfall, and the restrictions in place, it is regretted that many East Coast services will be subject to delay and cancellation over the next two days.’
Customers were urged to travel early today or ‘later than planned’ on Christmas Eve.
A spokesman said: 'East Coast sincerely apologises to customers for the inconvenience this will cause, especially as it is very conscious many people will be travelling just before Christmas on Monday and Tuesday.'
Virgin Trains meanwhile is to slash services by up to two thirds between London Euston, Manchester and Birmingham.
The normal service of the trains will reduce to two an hour from 3pm and then just one an hour from 6pm.
All other routes - including to and from Glasgow - will continue at one per hour as long as conditions allow, as part of their contingency to keep all destinations served with at least a skeleton service.
‘Clearly this is not good news on this of all days,’ said a Virgin spokesman.
He added that all peak travel restrictions are lifted until close of service on Christmas Eve, but stressed this could be many hours earlier than normal as services wind down for the break.
Virgin said ‘delays and disruption’ were expected from mid-afternoon today with fewer services running because of cancellations.’
The spokesman said: ‘Network Rail expects to apply a 50mph speed limit between London Euston and Birmingham New Street and between Rugby and Nuneaton from the afternoon of Monday, meaning we will not be able to run a full service.’
It noted: ‘We will plan to run services on all our routes, but with fewer trains than normal between London and Manchester and London and Birmingham.’
A First Capital Connect spokesman said: ‘Due to the severe weather expected from Monday until Tuesday, Network Rail are going to implement speed restrictions on all our routes and we will be running a reduced timetable on both days.
‘We are advising customers to try and get home early on Monday and wherever possible not to travel on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Services are likely to remain disrupted until the close of service on Christmas Eve.’
East Midlands Trains have planned alterations to some services to take the weather into account.
A travel notice said: ‘At present, it is not known the exact level of service which will be provided, but it is anticipated that approximately two trains per hour will run between Sheffield/Derby/Nottingham and all other stations to/from London St Pancras International from 12:00.'
The Cumbria Coast railway line that runs between Carlisle and Barrow was closed at Harrington, Workington, due to a landslide.

Blanket of snow: A family of deer enjoy the wintry conditions in the Cairngorms, Scotland

Heavy rain: The River Ouse in York City Centre burst its banks and flooded the riverside footpath

Stormy weather: Strong waves hit the coast of Brighton in East Sussex, as forecasters warned of the threat of localised flooding in pockets of the UK

Getting worse: The Portland Bill Lighthouse on the Dorset coast where the weather is making the waves increasingly choppy

The Environment Agency said people are urged to stay away from promenades along the south coast today and on Tuesday because of the wet and windy conditions.

TRAIN LINES EXPECTING DISRUPTION TODAY

• Arriva Trains Wales
• c2c
• Chiltern Railways
• CrossCountry
• Cumbria Coast
• East Coast
• East Midlands Trains
• First Capital Connect
• First Great Western
• First Hull Trains
• First TransPennine Express
• Gatwick Express
• Grand Central
• Greater Anglia
• Heathrow Connect
• Heathrow Express
• Island Line
• London Midland
• Merseyrail
• Northern Rail
• ScotRail
• South West Trains
• Southeastern
• Southern
• Stansted Express
• Virgin Trains

The storm is due to hit the south-west of England first and flood alerts are already in place for a number of coastal areas and river valleys in Cornwall, including the Lower, Middle and Upper River Tamar, the Lyhner and the Tavy at Tavistock.
David Jordan, Environment Agency director of operations, said: ‘Unsettled weather is set to continue throughout the Christmas period, with heavy rain and wind affecting many parts of England, so people should check the flood forecast on the Environment Agency website to help plan - and sign up to flood warnings.’
Darron Burness, head of the AA's flood rescue team, said: ‘Three-quarters of cars that get stuck are written off as it only takes a tiny amount of ingested water to wreck the engine.
‘You're also putting yourself at risk as flood water can mask all manner of hazards, for example open manholes, and just one foot or 30 centimetres of moving water can float your car.
‘Moving flood water, particularly, is powerful, relentless and deceptively dangerous, so just stay out.’
Mike Cooper, of Richfords Fire and Flood company in Redruth, Cornwall, urged families in 'at risk' areas to store iPods, tablets and other expensive Christmas presents upstairs.
'You've got new and valuable items in your home. Often you have family down for Christmas, so they bring presents down as well. All of a sudden you have tens of thousands of pounds of presents below the tree.
'I would advise keeping presents out of harm's way, upstairs for example until Christmas day, taking them down just before so that people can enjoy Christmas without the real tragedy of flood waters washing presents around the living room - which is sadly something that we see.'
The Government’s Highways Agency issued an amber alert warning  drivers in the East, South East and South West that heavy rain and high winds would cause ‘significant disruption’ including bridge closures and speed restrictions on motorways and major roads.
The following trains companies are also warning of potential disruption to services because of the weather today: Arriva Trains Wales; c2c; Chiltern Railways; CrossCountry; First Great Western; First Hull Trains; First TransPennine Express; Gatwick Express; Grand Central; Greater Anglia; Heathrow Connect; Heathrow Express; Island Line; London Midland; Merseyrail; Northern Rail; ScotRail; South West Trains; Southeastern; Southern and Stansted Express.
Rail bosses say the 'knock-on effect’ will run well into Christmas Eve.  Some 20,000 were scheduled to run before services wind down for Christmas.
And with new research by NCP car parks finding that a third - 33 per cent - of all those planning to head overseas this Christmas will leave between December 21 and 23, holidaymakers are being urged to check their travel routes and leave more time for their journeys.
Heathrow Airport has urged customers to check the status of their flights today with their airlines. A spokesman said: ‘We don't currently have any weather-related cancellations for Monday.’

Susan Libeks leads her horse Andante to shelter as a heavy snow storm hits Kincraig, Inverness-shire, Scotland

Heavy snow caused a two mile traffic tailback on the A9 in Dalwhinnie in the Scottish highlands

Train delays: Many networks have made contingency plans, with Virgin Trains slashing services by up to two-thirds. London King's Cross is pictured on Friday

And British Airways said: ’We plan to operate a normal schedule on Monday. Customers are advised to check BA.com for the latest flight information’.

WINTER WONDERLAND CLOSED

The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, central London, was closed today due to the weather.
A spokesman said: ‘Due to the severe weather conditions of high winds and extreme rain predicted for London tomorrow (Monday), PWR Events and The Royal Parks have taken the decision to close Hyde Park Winter Wonderland on Monday for the day.
‘All ticket holders for the Lycamobile Ice Rink, Zippos Circus, Magical Ice Kingdom and the Giant Observation Wheel will be refunded for Monday.
‘We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused, but Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will be open as usual again on Tuesday at 10am.'

Meanwhile engineers have restored power to 1,300 homes which were without electricity for several hours on the Isle of Wight after strong winds damaged overhead lines.
Southern Electric said the blackout affected Newport, Ventnor and Sandown.
More than 800 homes were also left without power in the Lizard and Callington area of Cornwall.
Police in Cumbria have urged people to be prepared over the next few days with continued road disruptions and localised flooding.
A spokesman said: 'Yesterday (Saturday), the county's roads were affected by standing water which resulted in some roads being heavily affected or closed as well as some areas being flooded.
'The Met Office has advised that more heavy rain is due to hit Cumbria again on Monday and high winds on Tuesday, therefore police want to take this opportunity advise people to take care and be prepared.'
Meanwhile, bookmaker William Hill reported a further run of money for a White Christmas - particularly across Scotland where it is now 2/1 that at least one snowflake falls in Aberdeen, Glasgow or Edinburgh.
It is looking less likely in London but the price has still halved from 10/1 to 5/1 in the last week.
'It only takes one flake to be reported for the payout and there can be little doubt that the rain is around - the only question is will temperatures fall fast enough,' said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.