Storm Chandra Sparks Widespread Travel Chaos Across UK Transport Networks
Travel misery is set to continue for several days across the United Kingdom as Storm Chandra leaves a trail of disruption in its wake. The Met Office has issued a Yellow weather warning for rain covering Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, exacerbating existing transport problems.
Rail Network Severely Disrupted in Southwest England
The rail network in southwest England is experiencing significant disruption following persistent heavy rain and widespread flooding. Great Western Railway has confirmed that several key lines remain closed due to the adverse conditions.
GWR has announced the following closures:
- Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple line in Devon
- Exeter St Davids to Okehampton route in Devon
- Liskeard to Looe line in Cornwall
- Par to Newquay route in Cornwall
The rail operator has warned passengers that poor road conditions mean bus replacement services cannot currently be provided on these routes. These branch lines are likely to remain closed for several days with no rail services operating.
Further disruption includes the cancellation of the Night Riviera sleeper train between London Paddington and Penzance in both directions on Wednesday night. Network Rail Western has also closed a footpath between Teignmouth and Smugglers' Lane to repair a sinkhole caused by Storm Ingrid.
Scottish Rail Services Affected by Severe Weather
In Scotland, ScotRail is reporting disruption across various routes due to severe weather conditions. Speed restrictions have been imposed to ensure safe travel through affected areas, with delays of up to thirty minutes reported on the Perth to Inverness line across the Highlands.
ScotRail has warned that lines may be disrupted by debris blown onto tracks or fallen trees, adding to the travel difficulties experienced by passengers across the network.
Additional Transport Disruptions Across the UK
The main TransPennine route between Manchester and Leeds remains closed until at least 6am on Thursday following damage from a fire in Standedge Tunnel. Trains are being diverted via the Calder Valley, resulting in slower than usual journey times.
Air travel is also experiencing problems, with Amsterdam Schiphol airport disruptions affecting British travellers. A military exercise involving Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force F-35 fighter jets has led to cancellations on several UK routes, including services to Aberdeen, London Heathrow, and Teeside operated by KLM.
Other airlines including easyJet and Aer Lingus are reporting delays and cancellations, with one Aer Lingus flight from Dublin returning to its starting point. Under air passengers' rights regulations, travellers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to alternative flights, meals, and accommodation until they reach their destination.
Maritime Services Facing Challenges
Caledonian MacBrayne ferries in the Western Isles of Scotland continue to experience disruption due to forecast strong winds and sea swell. The Oban to Barra route is among those affected, with Calmac warning that sailings face a heightened risk of disruption or cancellation at short notice.
The Met Office has warned that further rain expected from Thursday afternoon to early Friday is likely to lead to additional transport disruption and exacerbate flooding in affected areas. Forecasters have emphasised that the combination of back-to-back storms has created particularly challenging conditions for transport operators across multiple regions.
