Storm Eowyn Disruption - 24/1/25

[12LDA28C]

Yes, I've spotted that too. I'm planning to travel from Elsecar to Huddersfield to visit a friend on Friday but Northern have issued a "DO NOT TRAVEL" notice for this route. The majority of the line isn't even in the amber weather warning area and the forecast is for a mild, sunny and blustery day. Severe weather; really?

Then in line with your viewpoint, feel free to ignore the ‘Do Not Travel’ advice and take your chances. Gotta put your money where your mouth is, right?

If it all goes well and your journey is unaffected then you can congratulate yourself on your success and feel smug. If you get stuck on a stranded train for hours due to a line blockage then you know who to blame.

 

[Horizon22]

If it's really Network Rail shutting the lines then why, as yet, have Cross Country not said "do not travel" north of Newcastle?

Either way, my point still stands. If the wires come down or a tree blocks the line then yes, issue a "DO NOT TRAVEL" warning. But don't issue one two days in advance based upon what's only a prediction which may turn out to be a lot less disruptive than forecast?

That is rather reactive than proactive. Besides it will happen somewhere in the affected area; it always happens.

But there are always the same people who come out on the forums every time there’s a storm warning that it’s all too over cautious and they know better.

 

[tumbledown]

Something for the unified railway to decide is common criteria for operators to use to decide when to issue Do Not Travel notices.
And then invalidate Delay Repay claims in that situation. If people choose to attempt journeys, they must take their chances.
Because I for one do not wish to provide free travel for people who ignore rational warnings that Nature is going to rip up the infrastructure.
The railway's income all comes from the fairbox or the taxpayer.

 

[kristiang85]

The minimum pressure predicted for the storm as it hits Galway is the same as typically recorded for a Cat 3 hurricane. This really does need to be taken seriously.

 

[kez19]

If you decide to get a service tomorrow, make a new seat reservation via the app or website, when it asks for ticket number just put 4 random numbers in.

Spoke to a representative this morning, asked if it was running, referred to check (unless I’m reading it wrong), it’s greyed out and unavailable which is understandable but doesn’t much help if it was a simple yes or no, yes (fine), no change plans today.

Edit: further conversation, been advised on day speak to station staff (but not to travel)

In terms of trains, would it not have been better saying services called off? I’m not a regular train user and apologies on this one, ie LNER they say no travel from Newcastle from 11am.

Edit: booked train for today, managed to change ticket abit later train but I’ll be home (there goes my plan to Ashington by train today…)

 

[PyrahnaRanger]

Details been worked on but am hearing no services on WCML, S & C and Cumbrian coast from 03.00 Friday to 12.00 Saturday.
Also ECML closed north of Newcastle 11.00 to 19.00 on Friday.

Do we have a source for this (TOC/NR)? I'm in London and have tickets booked for Euston - Carlisle - Workington on Friday. They've been booked for months as I'm exhibiting at a conference for work...

S&C, Cumbrian Coast, Morecambe to Lancaster, Oxenholme to Windermere, are all blocked 0300 to 1200.

WCML will be blocked 0300 to 2200 PRE - CAR.

As above, is there a source for this? I need to figure out my travel plans, i.e. do I go today, risk tomorrow or wait until Saturday, if it's likely to be any better?

Surely better to err on the side of caution, give advance warning, and allow people to plan accordingly? Your favoured approach risks mass standings.

While broadly agreeing, I'm not sure leaving me 300+ miles from home with no booked accommodation doesn't count as "stranding" either. How was I supposed to know there was going to be a storm this week?

[Edit]
At the time of checking 07:40, Avanti and Northern showing 'Do Not Travel', but still showed trains as running.

 

[d9009alycidon]

Well on a lighter note I hear the Witch King of Angmar has gone into hiding in Mordor on Friday

 

[Peterthegreat]

Do we have a source for this (TOC/NR)? I'm in London and have tickets booked for Euston - Carlisle - Workington on Friday. They've been booked for months as I'm exhibiting at a conference for work...


As above, is there a source for this? I need to figure out my travel plans, i.e. do I go today, risk tomorrow or wait until Saturday, if it's likely to be any better?


While broadly agreeing, I'm not sure leaving me 300+ miles from home with no booked accommodation doesn't count as "stranding" either. How was I supposed to know there was going to be a storm this week?

This is from the Avanti website. Whilst it doesn't categorically state there will be no trains you are strongly advised not to travel.

 

[MadCommuter]

The West of Central Scotland looks to be worst hit now. 80 mph gusts forecast in the Glasgow area

 

[Smidster]

On the reaction - Pretty much to a person the consensus is that this is the biggest storm we have seen in decades so think that caution is justified...at least into Scotland.

What is frustrating is not having a full set of information at the time they tell people not to travel - If we take Northern there is nothing around ticket acceptance etc so at the moment it looks like I am going to have to buy a whole new set of tickets, at a much higher cost, to delay travel on a route they have told me to not use.

How the heck is that remotely fair - At least Avanti (who I need from Carlisle) have said it is fine.

 

[dk1]

On the reaction - Pretty much to a person the consensus is that this is the biggest storm we have seen in decades so think that caution is justified...at least into Scotland.

What is frustrating is not having a full set of information at the time they tell people not to travel - If we take Northern there is nothing around ticket acceptance etc so at the moment it looks like I am going to have to buy a whole new set of tickets, at a much higher cost, to delay travel on a route they have told me to not use.

How the heck is that remotely fair - At least Avanti (who I need from Carlisle) have said it is fine.

Can you not just cancel everything and apply for a refund.

 

[MP33]

I am due to travel Friday late morning, early afternoon. Looking at the weather forecast, which has changed due to the storm track moving.
Has the predicted centre, moved from the Irish Sea, to the centre of Ireland? Here in Essex, the strong winds, which are around 45 MPH, will end by 9 am. Where I am going on the South Coast, they will have passed through a few hours before I get there. Has the predicted centre, moved from the Irish Sea, to the centre of Ireland?

Of course, there can still be problems with fallen trees and debris.

 

[Krokodil]

While broadly agreeing, I'm not sure leaving me 300+ miles from home with no booked accommodation doesn't count as "stranding" either. How was I supposed to know there was going to be a storm this week?

You've got plenty of notice to make alternative arrangements. Quite different from turning up at the station to find nothing running, or worse your train being terminated mid-journey without notice.

 

[43066]

Do we have a source for this (TOC/NR)? I'm in London and have tickets booked for Euston - Carlisle - Workington on Friday. They've been booked for months as I'm exhibiting at a conference for work...


As above, is there a source for this? I need to figure out my travel plans, i.e. do I go today, risk tomorrow or wait until Saturday, if it's likely to be any better?


While broadly agreeing, I'm not sure leaving me 300+ miles from home with no booked accommodation doesn't count as "stranding" either. How was I supposed to know there was going to be a storm this week?

[Edit]
At the time of checking 07:40, Avanti and Northern showing 'Do Not Travel', but still showed trains as running.

It’s not ideal, but they can also only go on the latest information available to them.

 

[Snow1964]

Your favoured approach risks mass standings.

plenty of cancellations and short forms cause standing
not sure a gusty storm will make much difference

 

[43066]

plenty of cancellations and short forms cause standing
not sure a gusty storm will make much difference

Oops!

Let’s hope the passengers don’t threaten a sit-in. .

 

[CaptainHaddock]

But there are always the same people who come out on the forums every time there’s a storm warning that it’s all too over cautious and they know better.

It's not a question of who knows better, it's that the choice of whether to travel or not should always be the customer's, not the TOC's. If they've advertised a service and sold tickets for it then surely they have a moral (perhaps also legal) obligation to honour that contract until such point as it becomes impossible to do so?

Then in line with your viewpoint, feel free to ignore the ‘Do Not Travel’ advice and take your chances. Gotta put your money where your mouth is, right?

If it all goes well and your journey is unaffected then you can congratulate yourself on your success and feel smug. If you get stuck on a stranded train for hours due to a line blockage then you know who to blame.

Yes, that’s exactly what I intend to do. Friday’s my day off so I’ll be getting a train out into the hills, being aware of any potential disruption but wilfully ignoring any “do not travel” warnings.

In fact I’m rather looking forward to it, a bright blustery day makes for a very exhilarating walk out on the tops! And yes, if I do get stranded I’ll fully accept it was my own choice to take that risk; I’m not sure why that makes you so angry?

 

[43066]

it's that the choice of whether to travel or not should always be the customer's, not the TOC's.

Wrong. The choice to travel on the railway needs to be based on whether it’s safe to do so, and ultimately can only be made by the TOCs/NR etc. If trains run some people will choose to travel regardless of the warnings.

You seem to want them to just carry on regardless, even if thousands end up stranded.

And yes, if I do get stranded I’ll fully accept it was my own choice to take that risk; I’m not sure why that makes you so angry?

You might, many won’t. The fact you (and others) still choose to travel despite the warnings is an argument for closing the network at an earlier stage to prevent it, and certainly for removing any obligation to provide alternative transport/accommodation in these situations.

 

[Smidster]

Can you not just cancel everything and apply for a refund.

Not really - Have a firm commitment on Sunday / Monday and accommodation - If have to go on Sat can live with that

Have an advance ticket - hence why even if you apply for a refund you are then having to rebuy at much higher cost for something where the network has told you to stay at home.

 

[Ayrshire Roy]

We have 90mph gusts forecast for the Ayrshire Coast.
South of Kilwinning the line to Ayr is exposed to that.

 

[Bletchleyite]

You seem to want them to just carry on regardless, even if thousands end up stranded.

Not operating also causes strandings, of course. Accommodation might not be available, or they might not be able to afford it.

 

[Frontera2]

I always tend to book hotels at the flexible rates. Costs a bit more but have probably saved a bit by being able to cancel and then rebook and I have not lost the trip.

The thought of a hotel pocketing the advance payment irks me should weather or other circumstances get in the way and as some of my trips involve sea crossings I am even more wary.

However, I do think if Amber or Red weather warnings are issued hotels should be made to offer a minimum of a free transfer if not actually a refund.

isn't that what Travel insurance is for?

 

[Bletchleyite]

isn't that what Travel insurance is for?

This comes up every time and there is very little in the way of travel insurance that covers UK trips comprehensively. Most at least require a two-night stay, and many policies won't cover it at all. It's certainly a gap in the market that I'm surprised no-one fills, though perhaps the chance of a claim is so high the prices would be such that nobody would take it.

 

[Stampy]

This has just been issued...

Rare red weather warning issued as Storm Éowyn barrels towards UK https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ye2jpjx03o

 

[Smidster]

Met Office have now upgraded to "Red" warnings for all of Northern Ireland (so now all of Island of Ireland under Red) and central belt of Scotland including Glasgow and Edinburgh from 10 - 5 tomorrow.

Certainly among the biggest red warnings under this system.

 

[jon0844]

This comes up every time and there is very little in the way of travel insurance that covers UK trips comprehensively. Most at least require a two-night stay, and many policies won't cover it at all. It's certainly a gap in the market that I'm surprised no-one fills, though perhaps the chance of a claim is so high the prices would be such that nobody would take it.

It sounds like someone could do well to offer insurance for UK travels, perhaps as an add-on price for buying a ticket through Trainline or whatever (Trainline then doing a deal with an underwriter). Have a modest excess and obviously once a major weather event has been announced, withdraw selling cover for those dates/journeys but honour policies bought before (thus covering those who booked in advance and those told about the bad weather can't make a claim as they've been told not to travel).

It could even be something organised as part of GB Rail as an add-on for any ticket, with the same conditions to protect both the customer AND the insurer. You clearly wouldn't expect to be able to book a ticket on a service in an affected area right now and get insurance.

 

[trainophile]

I was just going to ask about the policy for Advances for Friday where a "do not travel" notice has been issued, thus meaning people have to buy new tickets for a different day. If in the event your booked train didn't run I suppose you could claim on the grounds that you were still intending to travel on it, but it's fraudulent to pretend you were when you've made other arrangements. I suppose that's one of the downsides of non-flexible tickets. Although with the increasing absence of period returns that is a whole new ball game.

 

[The exile]

In fact I’m rather looking forward to it, a bright blustery day makes for a very exhilarating walk out on the tops! And yes, if I do get stranded I’ll fully accept it was my own choice to take that risk; I’m not sure why that makes you so angry?

So if anything happens to you,you will not call out any emergency services? These kind of warnings are also to reduce demand on them so they can concentrate on unavoidable incidents.

 

[Bletchleyite]

This has just been issued...

Rare red weather warning issued as Storm Éowyn barrels towards UK https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ye2jpjx03o

Wow.

I would certainly agree that the railway should completely shut down (in the affected area*) in the event of a red warning. This is heading into the territory of what happens in places like Florida - in effect it's close to an actual lockdown, sometimes with mandatory evacuation (not that I'm necessarily advocating that here). However equally local authorities and the railway should work together to provide safe emergency accommodation in such cases e.g. community centres for those stranded - a red warning is basically a civil emergency.

* Yes, you, Avanti. You shouldn't be stopping running north of Preston if a red warning is only issued north of Carlisle, for example; that's just taking the easy option. Though it isn't really a debate applicable to this situation because of the amber-almost-red which could be upgraded yet.

It sounds like someone could do well to offer insurance for UK travels, perhaps as an add-on price for buying a ticket through Trainline or whatever (Trainline then doing a deal with an underwriter). Have a modest excess and obviously once a major weather event has been announced, withdraw selling cover for those dates/journeys but honour policies bought before (thus covering those who booked in advance and those told about the bad weather can't make a claim as they've been told not to travel).

It could even be something organised as part of GB Rail as an add-on for any ticket, with the same conditions to protect both the customer AND the insurer. You clearly wouldn't expect to be able to book a ticket on a service in an affected area right now and get insurance.

Trainline does sometimes offer insurance, but the policy is very basic. To be honest at a reasonable price I'd carry an annual policy given how much I travel but short of going to a broker and getting a custom policy written up they just don't exist.

 

[Bald Rick]

Irish Rail not running any services at all tomorrow.