Passengers told to ‘avoid travel’ by train as Storm Franklin warnings continue

Train operators have warned customers to “avoid travel if possible” as services are expected to be paralysed by gale-force winds and lashing rain.

National Rail has warned anyone making essential journeys once services resume to expect “major disruption” to routes “across most of Great Britain” – including cancellations, delays and slower speeds onboard.

This comes after the Met Office issued a yellow wind warning for much of the UK and follows on from Storm Eunice and Storm Dudley.

The operator said any services which are running are expected to be “very busy”.

National Rail said: “Please check before you travel if you plan to use train services today or on Monday.

“The poor weather conditions may cause flooding, and any trees already weakened by Storm Eunice may fall down.

“Where conditions worsen, speed restrictions could be put in place to ensure you can travel safely.”

National Rail said the following train operating companies will be affected:

Avanti West Coast

c2c

Caledonian Sleeper

Chiltern Railway

CrossCountry

East Midlands Railway

Great Northern

Great Western Railway

Greater Anglia

Heathrow Express

London Northwestern Railway

LNER

Northern

ScotRail

Southeastern

Southern

South Western Railway

Stansted Express

Thameslink

TransPennine Express

Transport for Wales

West Midlands Railway