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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Dan Haygarth

Storm Eunice: Merseyrail issues don't travel warning to customers unless necessary

Merseyrail is advising people not to travel unless necessary on Friday (February 18) afternoon as Storm Eunice takes hold.

An amber weather warning over strong winds is in force for much of the country tomorrow, including Merseyside, meaning that significant disruption is expected.

The weather warning begins at 5am and lasts until 9pm, covering most of England.

READ MORE: Storm Eunice: 'Stay indoors' warning as Merseyside could be battered with '80 to 100mph' winds

As a result, many public transport operators, including Merseyrail, are advising people not to travel.

Merseyrail also suggests that passengers make alternative plans as they believe it is unlikely that replacement buses will be able to run.

A Merseyrail statement said: "Strong winds are forecast on Friday 18 February and we expect disruption to our services from midday. Based on the latest Met Office forecast, passengers are advised not to travel unless necessary.

"The Met Office have issued a number of yellow, amber and red weather warnings.

"High winds can lead to trees and debris being blown onto train lines which blocks train movements. In extreme weather events, we may be unable to run services.

"If you need to travel please prepare alternative transport for the afternoon in case services can no longer run, as it is unlikely rail replacement buses will be able to operate due to disruption on the roads caused by the high winds and heavy rainfall.

"Please check the Merseyrail website and follow @merseyrail on Twitter for the latest live information before you travel."

Regarding the amber weather warning, the MetOffice advice states: "Storm Eunice may cause significant disruption due to extremely strong winds on Friday."

"There is a good chance that flying debris could result in danger to life, damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down."

The Met Office states: "Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights, there is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur , perhaps affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage."

More northerly places and Scotland fall under a yellow weather warning, while parts of the South West and Wales are covered by a red weather warning

National rail providers Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express have told customers to expect disruption and advise not travelling on Friday.

Liverpool Lime Street has back up generators ready in Liverpool for its signals, in case of a loss of power during the storm.

Below, we list the current travel advice for transport providers from across the region.

Merseyrail

A Merseyrail statement said: "Strong winds are forecast on Friday 18 February and we expect disruption to our services from midday. Based on the latest Met Office forecast, passengers are advised not to travel unless necessary.

"The Met Office have issued a number of yellow, amber and red weather warnings.

"High winds can lead to trees and debris being blown onto train lines which blocks train movements. In extreme weather events, we may be unable to run services.

"If you need to travel please prepare alternative transport for the afternoon in case services can no longer run, as it is unlikely rail replacement buses will be able to operate due to disruption on the roads caused by the high winds and heavy rainfall.

"Please check the Merseyrail website and follow @merseyrail on Twitter for the latest live information before you travel."

Arriva

A spokesperson for Arriva told the ECHO: "We’re very closely monitoring the weather situation. We’re currently planning on running all services as normal, and will continue to keep our customers updated on any changes."

Avanti West Coast

Avanti recommends that customers do not travel on Friday 18 & instead travel on Thursday 17 or Saturday 19 Feb with their original tickets.

TransPennine Express

A statement on the TPE website reads: "With severe weather and very strong winds expected across Northern England and Scotland on Friday 18 February because of Storm Eunice, significant disruption is likely and TransPennine Express (TPE) is urging customers on all routes not to travel on this date.

"Emergency speed restrictions are being put in place by TransPennine Express for Friday, and the train company will be operating a minimal train plan.

"Customers are strongly urged to instead travel on Thursday 17 or Saturday 19 February instead.

"Anyone with tickets dated for travel on Friday 18 February will be able to use these tickets to travel on Thursday 17 February and Saturday 19 February."

Liverpool Lime Street

A tweet from Lime Street read: "We're expecting Storm Eunice to cause significant disruption to rail services tomorrow.

"This means reduced timetables may operate & longer journey times."

Merseytravel and Stagecoach have been contacted comment.

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