Trains cancelled and disruption likely – do not travel by rail today
Train passengers are being advised not to travel today as severe weather continues to cause widespread disruption across the region.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning until 6pm, with an amber warning for heavy rain also in place until this evening for parts of the county. As a result, Network Rail has confirmed that trains will operate at reduced speeds in some areas, while further precautionary measures have been introduced.
No passenger trains will run until 6pm on Monday on the following routes:
Carlisle to Whitehaven
Corkickle to Barrow
Oxenholme to Windermere
Carnforth to Skipton
Carlisle to Skipton
Barrow to Preston
Lancaster to Morecambe
No alternative transport will be provided during this period.
Passengers who need to re plan their journey or who experience disruption will be able to use their tickets with another operator where possible today, or travel tomorrow, Tuesday December 16, to complete their journey. Customers holding Northern tickets dated Sunday December 14 or Monday December 15 can also use them on Northern services today and tomorrow.
TransPennine Express has warned that services north of Preston may be disrupted. Destinations affected include Lancaster, Oxenholme Lake District, Penrith North Lakes, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Carstairs, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh.
Avanti West Coast has also said services north of Preston are likely to be significantly disrupted, with the same destinations affected. Delays and alterations are expected, and passengers are strongly advised to check before travelling.
Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said the railway is bracing for extremely heavy rain and strong winds across Cumbria and parts of Lancashire.
He said safety remains the top priority, with teams carrying out additional inspections, putting contingency plans in place and preparing to respond quickly to any flooding. Conditions will be monitored closely throughout the day.
Andy McClements, customer experience and transformation director at TransPennine Express, urged passengers to check their journeys carefully before travelling through Cumbria, warning that an amended timetable is in operation.
He said disruption could occur at short notice and added that any services which do run are likely to be extremely busy due to the time of year and the reduced number of trains in operation.