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Train services are still experiencing interruptions due to the lasting impact of the destructive Storm Ciaran in the UK.
The primary train company on the East Coast Main Line, which runs between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley, has recommended that passengers delay their travel plans until Saturday.
There were many anticipated delays and cancellations due to trains and staff being displaced after power outages occurred at both ends of the route on Thursday.
A sudden increase in power resulted in a communication malfunction at Edinburgh Waverley, and the line was blocked due to damaged overhead wires in the Peterborough area.
Multiple additional railway companies also issued warnings for potential disruptions on Friday as crews cleared debris from the tracks left by Storm Ciaran.
The risk of flooding is still significant in the southern region of England.
There are currently 67 flood warnings and 209 flood alerts in effect throughout the country, following heavy rainfall and wind gusts of up to 100mph on Thursday, primarily affecting the south coast and Channel Islands.
On Friday, Scotland and parts of northern England experienced heavy rainfall and fierce winds due to severe weather conditions.
Approximately 150,000 households were left without electricity, and by 4pm on Thursday, approximately 11,300 properties were still without power.
According to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), approximately 135,700 connections were restored.
A representative stated that network operators have successfully restored service to 92% of customers affected by storm-related power outages, despite facing difficult conditions.
Despite challenging circumstances and the prediction of strong winds throughout the day, teams from various regions are collaborating to restore connections for customers in safe areas.
A yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for rain in north-east Scotland. This poses a risk of challenging driving conditions, potential flooding, and possible delays or cancellations of train and bus services.
Rebecca Pow, the minister responsible for floods, stated that there are still potential risks of flooding in the UK due to high river levels, large waves at the coast, and saturated ground.
March 20
On Friday, March 20, it is advised for residents of Jersey to stay in their homes as all schools on the island are still closed.
All schools in Guernsey and Alderney were operating as usual, except for the College of Further Education, which experienced considerable water damage.
Residents of Guernsey are now advised to not stay indoors, but to exercise caution while traveling due to road conditions.
On Friday, Pondhu Primary School in St Austell, Cornwall had to close down because of severe flooding. The school explained that they needed some time to dry and clean the building before it is safe for the students to come back.
Damage to properties in Jersey meant some residents had to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in a hotel, with one woman saying hailstones “bigger than a golf ball” had broken her windows.
The Met Office reported that the Channel Islands experienced “supercell thunderstorms”, which brought frequent lightning, large hailstones, and the potential for a hurricane.
Source: independent.co.uk
