Storm Boele is causing widespread travel disruption across the North East, with 'do not travel' warnings issued and services cancelled or altered due to strong winds expected to exceed 80mph.
Rail Services Hit by Storm Boele
Train operator LNER has announced pre-planned alterations to services north of Northallerton and Darlington on Sunday 25 October due to Storm Boele, with a 'do not travel' warning advised on certain routes. On Saturday, there are currently no planned changes to the LNER timetable, but major engineering work between Doncaster and Northallerton means an amended timetable is already in place.
On Sunday, passengers are advised not to travel between Edinburgh and Aberdeen in either direction due to expected disruption. All LNER services to and from Aberdeen, with the exception of the 13:47 Aberdeen to Edinburgh service, will be cancelled. A reduced service of one train per hour is running between Northallerton/Darlington and Newcastle/Edinburgh, with short notice delays and alterations also possible.
Northern Rail and Metro Services
Northern Rail is running reduced services on several routes from Friday 23 October to Monday 26 October in expectation of difficulties from the storms. On the Northumberland line, trains will not call at two stations: between Newcastle and Ashington, all trains will not call at Blyth Bebside, and between Ashington and Newcastle, all trains will not call at Northumberland Park. Tyne and Wear Metro services are unaffected.
A statement said: "Please check before you travel, as Storms Austen and Boelo are expected to affect train services across our network. Strong winds can bring trees, branches and other debris onto the railway, which can affect train services and make journeys less reliable than usual." Passengers are advised to check journeys before setting off and allow extra time.
Ferry and Road Closures
Shields Ferry services will be cancelled on Sunday 25 October due to Storm Boele, Nexus has confirmed. A spokesperson said: "Our service will be suspended on Sunday 25 October, due to Storm Boele forecast to hit the region this weekend. The temporary closure will be in place all day on Sunday as a safety precaution due to a Yellow warning of strong wind and heavy rain issued by the Met Office." A half hourly replacement bus service will run between the two Shields Ferry landings via the Tyne tunnel, with ferry services scheduled to resume as usual on Monday 26 October.
The A66 is due to close in both directions between A67 Bowes and A685 Brough this evening from 8pm due to Storm Boele, National Highways has confirmed. Further details are expected to be announced on when the closure will be lifted.
