Airport travellers faced some of the worst setbacks after a fallen tree struck overhead electric wires near Stansted
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Stewart Carr, News Editor2 minutes agoCOMMENTS
London commuters and holidaymakers have been hit by widespread morning travel disruption as the severe aftermath of Storm Boelo continues to fracture Britain’s transport network.
A succession of emergency “do not travel” warnings were issued by cancelled cultural events across the capital. On the advice of independent health and safety experts, organisers were forced to scrap London’s annual Diwali on the Square celebrations in Trafalgar Square. Heavy urban gusts meant the massive stage build and infrastructure set-up could not be completed safely, leaving thousands of disappointed families stranded at home.
While the South East escaped the absolute worst of the storm, major routes heading out of the capital remain heavily congested today. Speed restrictions and route closures are causing severe operational delays across multiple networks.
Affected Rail Services This Morning:
- Stansted Express & Greater Anglia: Severe delays and cancellations after a fallen tree blocked tracks and damaged overhead power lines. Alternative routes via Great Northern out of King’s Cross to Cambridge are operating.
- LNER: Strict “Do Not Travel” restrictions remain active north of Edinburgh toward Aberdeen. Services from London King’s Cross toward Leeds and Newcastle face short-notice alterations and speed caps.
- Avanti West Coast: Passengers are explicitly urged to avoid travelling north of Preston today due to severe line blockages further up the West Coast Main Line.
- Great Western Railway: Long-distance services out of London Paddington to Devon and Cornwall are terminating early at Reading and Plymouth, with replacement coaches forced onto hazardous regional roads.
Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: “Storm Boelo will be felt across the UK this weekend, with the strongest winds and greatest potential for disruption in the north.
“Amber warnings are in place across mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England, where gusts of 60-70mph are expected widely, with the potential for 80mph in exposed coastal locations.
“Strong winds will also affect other parts of the UK, with gusts of 50-60mph possible in places. Heavy rain will provide an additional hazard, particularly in the north, bringing the potential for further impacts.
“People should prepare for the potential for disruption, particularly to travel and power supplies.”
