STORM Eunice has sparked travel chaos across the UK – with major delays and cancellations for trains and flights.
Hundreds of rail services have been suspended, including all trains provided by TFL Rail in and out of London.
An EMERGENCY Cobra meeting has been held today as deadly Storm Eunice lashed Britain with 100mph winds.
Read our travel updates live blog below for the latest news and cancellations….
- Louis Allwood
Some trains have started to run but advice remains the same
Great Western Railway service have advised people not to travel as there is ongoing disruption to services.
GWR have confirmed that some trains are now running but services across the network remain significantly disrupted.
- Louis Allwood
Tree crashes onto bus in Storm Eunice’s 122mph winds
THIS is the terrifying moment a tree smashed into a London bus in killer Storm Eunice’s 122mph winds.
Shocking dashcam footage captured the dramatic moment the tree fell directly into the path of the bus on route to Catford Bridge in Biggin Hill, Bromley.
The bus was filmed driving around a bend past a row of towering trees in the treacherous conditions.
One of the billowing trees suddenly fell into the path of the oncoming vehicles.
The footage captured the bus ploughing through the falling tree as its branches smashed the windscreen.
An explosion of debris was strewn across the road and the approaching cars as the huge tree plummeted to the ground.
- Louis Allwood
Yellow weather warning for snow
Rain may turn to heavy snow in a few places later this morning and early this afternoon.
This is most likely on roads above 200 metres elevation, such as across the Peak District, but also a lower likelihood to some lower elevations in Yorkshire.
Some places could see 2-4 cm of slushy snow which could build up quite quickly, before conditions ease from the west this afternoon.
- Louis Allwood
Bus routes in London
Bus routes across London are mostly operating normally now, although with TfL still holding in place an amber weather warning, they are advising people to make only 'essential' travel plans.
To check your bus route for any delays you can use the search tool on the TfL website which will tell you exactly what delays you can expect.
- Louis Allwood
Brits STILL warned don’t travel after fallen trees
BRITS are still being warned not to travel today as fallen trees and debris from killer Storm Eunice continue to cause chaos.
Another "do not travel" notice has been issued across a swathe of rail networks this morning after Eunice sparked widespread travel disruption on Friday.
Millions of people were urged to stay at home yesterday as one of the worst storms in a generation slammed into the UK and brought record-breaking 122mph gusts of wind.
The treacherous conditions led to travel turmoil, flight cancellations, power cuts and police forces being inundated with calls.
Train networks were plagued by flying debris – and there was extensive damage to buildings and homes.
Transport woes meant many Brits were unable to travel – and National Rail said "routes across most of Great Britain" still remain affected this morning.
Many routes are not expected not to reopen until at least this afternoon as the massive clean-up effort begins.
- Louis Allwood
Terrifying moment lorry TOPPLES on motorway
THIS is the terrifying moment a lorry toppled over on the motorway as Storm Eunice smashed the UK with 122mph gales.
Motorists scrambled to save the driver after the heart-stopping accident on the M40 northbound near Bicester, Oxfordshire.
Amazingly, the motorist escaped without serious injury. A van had passed in the middle lane moments before the lorry overturned.
A driver who recorded dashcam footage of the crash, which happened when an 84mph blast hit the motorway, said conditions were "terrible".
"I stopped in front of the lorry and rushed out to check the guy was ok," he said.
"Two other lads came running around and assisted me to climb on top of the lorry and drag him out."
- Louis Allwood
Dartford bridge back open today
Following its closure yesterday the Dartford QEII Bridge is back open today.
Due to severe weather warnings yesterday the bridge was closed to protect the safety of drivers.
- Louis Allwood
The big clean up
A massive clean-up is set to begin today after Storm Eunice brought widespread damage, disruption and record-breaking 122mph gusts of wind to the UK – leading to the deaths of at least four people.
The treacherous conditions led to travel chaos, flight cancellations, power cuts and police forces being inundated with calls.
Train networks were plagued by flying debris – and there was extensive damage to buildings and homes.
The nationwide repair bill is reportedly expected to soar above £500million – with the value of insurance claims set to outstrip the £360million bill from storms Ciara and Dennis in 2020.
- Louis Allwood
Greater Anglia reopen some routes
Greater Anglia have reopened some routes but are still advising customers to only travel is 'essential' due to the weather warnings.
The only routes that have reopened are:
- Norwich to Shenfield From 08:00
- Ipswich to Felixstow From 07:28
- Norwich to Lowestoft From 07:50
It is understood that all other routes remain closed.
Anyone with tickets today can use them on another day it has been confirmed.
Alternatively if you choose not to travel you can obtain a full refund by returning it to the train operator or retailer from whom you purchased it.
- Louis Allwood
Attractions reopen
Many of the UK's top attractions were forced to shut it's doors yesterday due to Storm Eunice.
Today, the majority of those attractions have reopened.
Legoland are back open welcoming guests as are London Zoo.
- Louis Allwood
More than one million homes left without power in Storm Eunice
MORE than one million homes were left without power after killer Storm Eunice blasted the country with 122mph gales.
There are fears some Brits could face disruption until next WEEK as forecasters warn of severe winds throughout the weekend.
While 700,000 properties have now been reconnected by engineers battling the intense conditions, 435,000 households remain in the dark tonight.
It comes as the mercury plunges and warnings for ice and snow are issued.
Some outages could last for two full days and nights – or even longer in rural areas.
- Louis Allwood
c2c Running at reduced speeds today
The c2c will be running at reduced speeds today due to a blanket of 'speed restrictions'.
The Essex Thameside railway service have warned of 'delays to the network' and suggest to those commuting to check before you travel.
Train services resurrected during the last evening yesterday after hours of cancellations.
- Louis Allwood
Great Western Railway service disruption until at least 10am today
Great Western Railway has advised the public to not travel.
The operator says Storm Eunice's impact means it is "unlikely" to be able to run a consistent service.
Disruptions are likely to last until 10am this morning.
They said: "No trains will operate on the GWR network until at least 10:00 on Saturday morning – with the majority of services not returning until the afternoon.
"Services in Devon and Cornwall have been particularly affected and will not run until at least 13:00."
The update was released last night and there has been no news so far this morning of changes.
- Milica Cosic
Explained: Your rights if your flight is cancelled
Travel editor Rory Boland, for Which?, has given valuable advice for travellers whose flights are being delayed or cancelled due to Storm Eunice winds.
Boland has said: “A significant number of flights are likely to be cancelled as a result of Storm Eunice. These extraordinary circumstances mean you are not entitled to compensation, but your airline is required to pay for food and drink if you need to wait in the airport terminal for your rescheduled flight, and accommodation and transport to it if you are stuck overnight,
“You should contact your airline initially, which should provide vouchers for use at the airport. If it refuses to help, you can purchase what you are entitled to yourself and claim the money back from the airline afterwards.
“Pay by credit card if you can, and stick to sensibly priced meals and three star hotels – you won’t be able to claim for a lobster dinner or five star suite.”
- Milica Cosic
Bin collections cancelled in a council
Due to the Red weather warning, Luton Council yesterday confirmed bin collection crews finished their rounds at 9.30am to ensure the safety of crews and residents.
However, Luton Council tweeted yesterday that the bin collection crew will be out again today.
- Milica Cosic
999 calls hit a high
The London Fire Brigade yesterday declared a major incident in response to the volume of 999 calls being taken about Storm Eunice.
Throughout the day on Friday, the London Fire Bridge attended numerous incidents, including:
- A van overturned on the M11
- Scaffolding in a precarious position in Islington
- A balcony collapse in central London
- A large container on top of a high-rise building in a precarious position on the Isle of Dogs.
What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your flight has been delayed or cancelled due to Storm Eunice, your airline has a duty of care for you.
This could mean potentially including the provision of food and drinks until you are able to board your flight. And/or accommodation if you are delayed overnight.
To find out more visit the UK Civil Aviation Authorities website here.
Storm Eunice travel news you may have missed
- Man becomes first fatality linked to Storm Eunice after being killed by falling tree in County Wexford, Ireland
- People are being urged to avoid travel as weather forecasters warn Storm Eunice could be one of the worst storms to hit the UK and Ireland in three decades
- Several train operators have suspended all their services, according to National Rail Enquiries – including London Euston
- Mayor of London urges ‘Londoners to stay at home’
- British Airways have cancelled or delayed over 120 flights, with London City Airport cancelling all flights today
- Alongside BA cancellations, many aeroplanes across different airports have either been diverted, or are struggling to land due to the strong winds
Madness at London Victoria
Following train delays and cancellations due to Storm Eunice on Friday, people were rightfully worried about travelling in and around London.
Scenes, just before rush hour, in London Victoria show people running between platforms.
Trains in and out of London Euston were axed yesterday
On Friday, Network Rail confirmed that trains were not to arrive or depart from London Euston.
A statement said: "All lines are suspended affecting services between Euston and Milton Keynes until further notice.
"The message to passengers is 'DO NOT TRAVEL' today as the railway network is being battered by gale force winds.
"Rapid response teams are clearing fallen trees and debris which are blocking lines in multiple locations on the West Coast main line."
C2C rail suspend services for the morning
C2C rail, which provides services to and from London, Southend and elsewhere in Essex.
Because of Storm Eunice, some early morning trains will be cancelled today (19 February).
- Milica Cosic
Man injured by falling masonry in strong winds
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed a man was injured by falling masonry on Waterloo Road in south east London at noon on Friday.
A statement given by the Met Police reads: "London Ambulance Service attended and the man – no further details – has been taken to hospital for treatment; condition awaits".
- Milica Cosic
BA updates advice to passengers
British Airways, has updated its message to passengers.
The message reads: “Due to the extreme weather conditions across the UK and resulting restrictions on the number of aircraft that can take-off and land each hour, we, like other airlines, are experiencing significant disruption.
“We’re operating as many flights as we can and putting on larger aircraft where possible. Customers due to travel on a short-haul service today can rebook for free on ba.com.
“Those whose flights have been cancelled are being contacted to offer options including a full refund.
“Safety is always our priority and we’re encouraging customers to check the latest flight information on ba.com before heading to the airport.”
- Milica Cosic
University suspended teaching yesterday
The University of Bedfordshire suspended teaching yesterday due to Storm Eunice.
In a tweet, the University said: "The University of Bedfordshire is closed today (Friday 18 February), due to severe weather warnings.
"Teaching on all campuses is suspended, staff and students are advised to stay at home."
- Milica Cosic
Deliveroo & Uber Eats shut down in areas on Friday
Food deliveries in some areas have were suspended yesterday as the UK battled chaos from Storm Eunice.
A message on the Deliveroo app in parts of London and Buckinghamshire read: "We'll be back delivering again when it is safe to do so.
"In the interest of keeping riders safe, our service is not available at the moment due to a red weather warning.
"We'll be available again as soon as it's safe to do so."
And, note on the Uber Eats app on Friday said: "Uber Eats is currently unavailable in your area due to bad weather."
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