Passengers travelling by train across Wales have been warned to expect widespread disruption today (Thursday, January 8) as Storm Goretti brings severe weather conditions including heavy rain, snow and strong winds.
Transport for Wales (TfW) has issued a special notice advising that a number of services will be suspended or subject to significant delays from around 3pm. The worst of the disruption is expected to begin in the mid-afternoon, with Network Rail confirming that several lines will be closed as a precaution amid forecasts of heavy sleet and snowfall.
While some rail replacement buses will operate, TfW has cautioned that poor road conditions may prevent services from running in certain areas.
Forecasters say the storm has the potential to cause major disruption, with hazardous travelling conditions, possible power outages and localised flooding all anticipated. An amber weather warning for snow, in force from 8pm this evening until 9am on Friday, covers large parts of Wales, including Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen and Wrexham.
Passengers are being strongly urged to check their journey before travelling, allow extra time, and take particular care when accessing stations, as platforms, steps and car parks may be slippery.
To help minimise inconvenience, rail tickets for journeys affected by today’s disruption can be used on alternative services up to Sunday, January 11.
Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and our teams are working around the clock, alongside train operators, to prepare the network and respond quickly as conditions change. We would urge passengers to check before they travel.”
