Rail passengers are expected to face significant travel disruption today as Storm Goretti sweeps across the UK, bringing a combination of rain, heavy snow, ice, and gales.
The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for snow across large swathes of the West Midlands and Wales. Forecasters warn that some areas could be buried under as much as 30cm of snow, with strong winds of up to 50mph threatening to create blizzard conditions.
Key Service Changes and Closures
Network Rail and train operators have confirmed that while services will attempt to run normally this morning, a reduced timetable will be implemented from mid-afternoon as conditions deteriorate.
West Midlands & London Northwestern Railway
From 19:00 tonight, a significantly reduced service will operate across the West Midlands network. Network Rail teams are currently out in force treating tracks and station surfaces, but passengers are warned that trains may be cancelled at short notice if points become frozen or power lines are damaged by ice.
Transport for Wales (TfW)
Widespread suspensions will begin from 15:00 today. The following routes will be fully suspended:
– Cambrian Coast Line (Machynlleth to Pwllheli) – suspended all day.
– Borderlands Line (Wrexham to Bidston).
– Conwy Valley Line (Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog).
– Heart of Wales Line (Shrewsbury to Swansea via Llandrindod).
– West of Carmarthen (Services to Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, and Fishguard Harbour).
– Maesteg and Ebbw Vale services.
A reduced hourly service will remain on core routes, including Cardiff to Crewe and Shrewsbury to Holyhead, though these are subject to delay.
Due to hazardous road conditions, rail replacement buses will not operate on suspended routes. Passengers are strongly advised not to attempt travel on these lines.
Why the Railway Struggles in Snow
Extreme wintry weather poses several technical challenges for the rail network:
Frozen Points: The moving pieces of track that allow trains to change lines can jam if snow and ice build up.
Power Failures: Ice can coat overhead electric wires, preventing trains from drawing power.
Safety Risks: Heavy snow can obscure signals, and fallen trees caused by high winds can block tracks.
Advice for Passengers
Nick Millington, Route Director for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “Safety is our number one priority. We anticipate the need to close some lines to keep passengers and our colleagues safe. We’d urge passengers to check before they travel and plan ahead, particularly for Thursday night and Friday morning.”
Check Before You Travel: Use National Rail Enquiries or the TfW live map before heading to the station.
Ticket Flexibility: Rail tickets for today (Thursday 8 January) will be valid for travel until Sunday 11 January.
Take Care: Station platforms and car parks will be extremely slippery. Allow extra time for your journey.