STORM Eunice has sparked travel chaos across the UK – with major delays and cancellations for trains and flights.
Hundreds of rail services have been suspended, including all trains provided by TFL Rail in and out of London.
An EMERGENCY Cobra meeting has been held today as deadly Storm Eunice lashed Britain with 100mph winds.
Read our travel updates live blog below for the latest news and cancellations….
- Joseph Gamp
All train lines blocked between Stevenage & Kings Cross
London North Western Railway has updated passengers on a mainline service from Kings Cross.
All trains running between Kings Cross and Stevenage.
The cancellations are due to a tree falling on to overheard electric wires.
- Joseph Gamp
Dover reopens for limited ferry services and shipping
The Port of Dover has reopened to shipping and some ferry services after closing earlier on Friday due to Storm Eunice.
A spokesperson said: "The port and ferry operators will now continue to work together to ensure that services are running with minimal disruption."
- Joseph Gamp
Southeastern train mainline routes cancelled
Southeastern has cancelled all mainline routes as Storm Eunice disrupts travel across the country.
Routes from London will be shut as the region continues to face winds of up to 60mph and fallen trees on lines.
The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning for London with people urged to stay indoors.
- Joseph Gamp
M4 Prince of Wales bridge now reopened
The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge over the River Severn has reopened after being closed due to Storm Eunice.
Howver the M48 Severn Bridge crossing remains closed.
"This bridge requires a more detailed inspection than its newer counterpart and we still require wind speeds to drop further before this can be done," a spokesman for the Severn Crossings said.
- Joseph Gamp
Pictured: Plane blown SIDEWAYS during take off at Leeds Bradford Airport
This is the terrifying moment a Ryanair flight taking off from Leeds Bradford airport was blown sideways.
Storm Eunice is continuing to batter the UK.
Much of the country remains under a weather warning for fierce winds.
Credit: LNP - Joseph Gamp
Reports of 'roof blowing off Preston train station'
There has been a number of reports of Preston train station's roof being ripped off by Storm Eunice.
Multiple travellers have been taking to Twitter to share the news – and their shock at the events unfolding.
As a result, the station is now closed until tomorrow morning, according to reports.
- Joseph Gamp
All South Western train services CANCELLED until 'at least 6pm'
South Western Railway has suspended services "until at least 6pm" this evening.
It comes as the country is battered by winds with a top speed of 122mph.
“Gusts of more than 90mph wind have caused multiple incidents across the SWR network today, with 30 fallen trees already blocking key routes.
“As a result, SWR services have been suspended until at least 18.00 and we strongly urge customers not to travel at this time. We are working hard to restore services, but ask customers to make alternative travel plans if they can.
“Customers should regularly check the ‘Plan my journey’ page on SWR’s website, which will be updated with the latest information every hour.
“We would like to apologise to our customers for the impact this will have on their journeys, but – as always – our primary concern is the safety and welfare of customers and colleagues out on the network”.
- Milica Cosic
Explained: Your rights if your flight is cancelled
Travel editor Rory Boland, for Which?, has given valuable advice for travellers whose flights are being delayed or cancelled due to Storm Eunice winds.
Boland has said: “A significant number of flights are likely to be cancelled as a result of Storm Eunice. These extraordinary circumstances mean you are not entitled to compensation, but your airline is required to pay for food and drink if you need to wait in the airport terminal for your rescheduled flight, and accommodation and transport to it if you are stuck overnight,
“You should contact your airline initially, which should provide vouchers for use at the airport. If it refuses to help, you can purchase what you are entitled to yourself and claim the money back from the airline afterwards.
“Pay by credit card if you can, and stick to sensibly priced meals and three star hotels – you won’t be able to claim for a lobster dinner or five star suite.”
- Milica Cosic
TfL Rail suspended WHOLE service
TfL Rail have now suspended their whole service.
Customers are advised NOT TO TRAVEL.
- Milica Cosic
999 calls hit a high
The London Fire Brigade has declared a major incident in response to the volume of 999 calls being taken about Storm Eunice.
Throughout the day, the London Fire Bridge has attended numerous incidents, including:
- A van overturned on the M11
- Scaffolding in a precarious position in Islington
- A balcony collapse in central London
- A large container on top of a high-rise building in a precarious position on the Isle of Dogs.
Storm Eunice travel news you may have missed
- Man becomes first fatality linked to Storm Eunice after being killed by falling tree in County Wexford, Ireland
- People are being urged to avoid travel as weather forecasters warn Storm Eunice could be one of the worst storms to hit the UK and Ireland in three decades
- Several train operators have suspended all their services, according to National Rail Enquiries – including London Euston
- Mayor of London urges ‘Londoners to stay at home’
- British Airways have cancelled or delayed over 120 flights, with London City Airport cancelling all flights today
- Alongside BA cancellations, many aeroplanes across different airports have either been diverted, or are struggling to land due to the strong winds
Amber wind warning remain in place
Liam Dutton, the Weather Presenter for Channel 4, has reminded Brits that while the red weather warnings for wind have expired, an amber wind warning remains in place until 9pm.
There could still be impacts, even as the winds gradually calms down, as there will be a lot of things loosened by the peak of the winds.
GWR closes whole network
Great Western Railway has decided to suspend its whole network for rest of day.
The update from National Rail came just now, and reads: “The whole Great Western Railway network has now been closed and customers are advised NOT TO TRAVEL.
“Local bus and road transport providers have also suspended services today, so there will be no alternatives in place.
“Tickets dated for travel on Friday 18 February will be valid for travel from Saturday 19 right through to Monday 21 February.”
Greater Anglia suspends trains to clear track
Multiple incidents of trees falling on the lines have been reported, as well as and trees blocking the railway, meaning that Greater Anglia services are entirely suspended on all routes.
A tweet from the operator reads: “Train services across the whole Greater Anglia network are suspended until further notice.
"As soon as we can re-introduce services we will do so, but it is possible that some or even all services may remain suspended for the rest of today potentially into tomorrow (Sat 19 Feb)."
Madness ensues at London Victoria
Following train delays and cancellations due to Storm Eunice, people are rightfully worried about travelling in and around London.
Current scenes in London Victoria show people running between platforms.
- Milica Cosic
Birmingham Network Rail offer advice
As Storm Eunice continues to batter Britain, Birmingham New Street, which is managed by Network Rail has said that the storm is causing significant disruption to the railway, and so people should NOT travel today.
They have also advised to check check with your train operator or at @nationalrailenq for the latest.
- Milica Cosic
People evacuated from O2 Arena
An estimated 1,000 people were evacuated from The O2 in Greenwich, London, this afternoon, following its roof being shredded.
London Fire Brigade said firefighters had been called to a "partial roof collapse" at the venue.
Station Commander Chris Kamara, who was at the scene, said: "Firefighters cordoned off the area to ensure no one was injured by any further falling debris.
"There has been no actual collapse or structural damage to the building, but due to the nature of the canvas material which covers The O2, it has come loose in high winds and looks quite dramatic.
"Crews have made the scene safe and The O2 is now closed until further notice."
- Milica Cosic
C2C rail suspend services for tomorrow morning
C2C rail, which provides services to and from London, Southend and elsewhere in Essex.
Because of Storm Eunice, some early morning trains will be cancelled tomorrow (19 February).
- Milica Cosic
Trains into Heathrow suspended
The Heathrow Express, which offers express train services into the London airport are currently suspended.
This has been confirmed by National Rail.
- Milica Cosic
Thousands of homes without power
Thousands of homes across Wales are without power as Storm Eunice batters the UK.
Western Power Distribution is reporting several incidents of ‘high voltage’ power outages across South and Mid Wales.
As of 12.41pm, there were a total of 33,051 homes in Wales without power.
In a statement, it said: “We are aware of this power cut incident which was raised at 7.54am this morning (February 18) and our engineers are working to get the power returned as quickly as possible.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience this is causing you.”
- Milica Cosic
Listed: All the trains with services so far
Several train operators have suspended all their services, according to National Rail Enquiries.
They are: c2c, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, Southeastern and Transport for Wales.
Alongside these, Network Rail confirmed there will be no more services to and from London Euston, and London Paddington too.
- Milica Cosic
RAC urges motorists not to drive
The RAC has urged motorists not to drive during Storm Eunice unless it is absolutely necessary following the alert for snow, heavy rain and winds.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “With a rare red weather warning for extreme winds in place tomorrow, safety on the roads will be paramount. It’s vitally important drivers don’t set out during Storm Eunice unless it can’t be avoided.
“It might be better to make trips today or delay them until the worst of the storm has passed.
“Drivers who make unnecessary journeys risk putting themselves and their passengers in danger, as well as the lives of anyone who may need to help them should something unwanted happen.
“People who can work from home tomorrow should definitely do so, and we also urge people not to be tempted to drive to the coast to take photos of the extreme conditions.”
- Milica Cosic
SWR services suspended
SWR services have been suspended, and customers are urged not to travel following severe weather.
In a joint statement, South Western Railway and Network Rail said:
“Gusts of more than 90mph wind have caused multiple incidents across the SWR network today, with 30 fallen trees already blocking key routes.
“As a result, SWR services have been suspended until at least 18.00 and we strongly urge customers not to travel at this time. We are working hard to restore services, but ask customers to make alternative travel plans if they can.
“Customers should regularly check the ‘Plan my journey’ page on SWR’s website, which will be updated with the latest information every hour.
“We would like to apologise to our customers for the impact this will have on their journeys, but – as always – our primary concern is the safety and welfare of customers and colleagues out on the network”.
- Milica Cosic
London Paddington also suspend services
Due to the server weather from Storm Eunice, TfL Rail have suspended their services to and from London Paddington.
This follows London Euston axing their trains too.
- Milica Cosic
Trains in and out of London Euston axed
Network Rail has confirmed that no more trains will arrive or depart from London Euston today.
A statement said: "All lines are suspended affecting services between Euston and Milton Keynes until further notice.
"The message to passengers is 'DO NOT TRAVEL' today as the railway network is being battered by gale force winds.
"Rapid response teams are clearing fallen trees and debris which are blocking lines in multiple locations on the West Coast main line."
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