Network Rail urged travellers to check their journeys before setting off
Network Rail has announced railway closures, beginning on Saturday night, as two storms are expected to bring disruption across the country this weekend.
The Met Office has issued several amber warnings for wind across parts of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland this weekend as Storm Boelo approaches.
The forecaster said gusts of up to 80mph could hit exposed coastal areas while winds of 60-70mph would be widespread elsewhere, warning of danger to life from flying debris.
Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, acknowledged the measure would have a “significant impact” on passengers, but said it would closely monitor the adverse weather and act accordingly.
“We know closing lines and slowing trains will have a significant impact on people’s plans this weekend, and these aren’t decisions we take lightly.
The Prime Minister was asked if the Government was playing catch-up with civil preparedness as he attended a summit organised to learn from the summer’s record wildfires.
“No, we are having the conversation with people about being better prepared because we’re living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common.