All SWR trains suspended as Storm Eunice disrupts travel

By Isabel Millett

18th Feb 2022 | Local News

ALL South-Western Railway services have been cancelled until at least 18:00 today (February, 18) due to disruption from Storm Eunice.

Thirty trees have fallen on the line and the network has been hit by gusts of more than 90mph.

However. it is not yet clear if the company will be providing alternative travel to stranded commuters.

SWR announced the train cancellations on Twitter just before noon, posting: "Services are suspended across the South Western Railway Network.

"Do not attempt to travel.

"We will update you when things change."

The account went on to clarify to customers that trains had been cancelled for the rest of the day - but later updates stated that this could change as the situation is reviewed.

SWR and Network Rail have now released a joint statement on rail services.

It says: "Gusts of more than 90mph wind have caused multiple incidents across the SWR network today, with 30 fallen trees already blocking key routes.

"As a result, SWR services have been suspended until at least 18.00 and we strongly urge customers not to travel at this time. We are working hard to restore services, but ask customers to make alternative travel plans if they can.

"Customers should regularly check the 'Plan my journey' page on SWR's website, which will be updated with the latest information every hour.

"We would like to apologise to our customers for the impact this will have on their journeys, but – as always – our primary concern is the safety and welfare of customers and colleagues out on the network."

The train cancellations could leave commuters stranded and SWR is not clear on whether alternative transport will be provided. It has sent conflicting responses to customers on the SWR_Help Twitter account .

Nub News has contacted the rail company for clarification on this matter.

The news comes after a 50-foot tree fell on the tracks by Ewell West station, blocking the line between Dorking and London Waterloo.

Clapham Junction station was evacuated around midday with passengers turned away from the station due to the severe weather.

Reports the storm had forced the station's evacuation emerged on Twitter at 12:32pm.

A Customer Services spokesperson confirmed the closure, telling Clapham Nub News no one is being allowed in.

Speed restrictions have been in force today across the South-Western Railway network.

Earlier today the Met Office issued a Red Weather Warning for London and the South-East due to high winds brought about by the arrival of Storm Eunice.

Read our Live Updates as Storm Eunice hits London.

Have a story local to Clapham you want to share with us? Email [email protected], call 07742 524 934 or tweet @IssyMillett.

Find all the latest news from your local area by following Clapham Nub News on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

     

New clapham Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: clapham jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Hardwicke Circus is currently on a nationwide tour, bringing their original sound to Stonegate pubs all over the UK. (Credit: Ben Shahrabi)
Local News

Hits a GoGo: Hardwicke Circus releases a tongue-in-cheek bid for chart victory - listen to the single

Michael Crawshaw with his latest work 'The Gerasimov Doctrine' (image by Nub News)
Advertisement Features

Unveiling the Intrigue: 'The Gerasimov Doctrine' by Michael Crawshaw

Sign-Up for our FREE Newsletter

We want to provide clapham with more and more clickbait-free local news.
To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following.
Help us survive and sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
We won't pass your details on to anyone else.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our Privacy Policy.