UK rail network battered by three storms in a week

named storms brought chaos to the UK in mid-february, with the railway network suffering more than its fair share of the resulting damage.

Storm Dudley struck first, on February 16, bringing winds of up to 90mph, uprooting trees and causing numerous disruptions to service while Network Rail staff cleared the resulting debris.

Worse was to follow with the arrival of Storm Eunice two days later. As the storm approached, bulletins advised people not to travel, with forecasters issuing a rare red danger to life warning. Services throughout the country were severely affected during the day, with record wind speeds being recorded.

The approach of Storm Eunice saw all train services cancelled in Wales – believed to be the first time this has ever happened, with Network Rail imposing speed restrictions across the whole of the rail network that was operating.

Although efforts were made to keep trains running across most of England and Scotland, Storm Eunice saw Network Rail having to respond to and deal with hundreds of incidents throughout its duration, including fallen trees, structural damage, and debris obstructing tracks, and overhead line equipment needing attention.

On Sunday, February 20, it was the turn of Storm Franklin to bring even more misery to an already beleaguered rail network, although on this occasion the main problem was flooding caused by heavy and persistent rain.

Extensive damage was caused to the Cambrian Line (see story below) and flooding affected many other areas of the network, including South

Yorkshire, where flood water overcame the track at Rotherham Central station and numerous other locations, preventing trains from running until the water had either subsided or was pumped away.

Network Rail generally responded well to the unprecedented nature of dealing with three storms in quick succession.

It was testament to its efforts that much of the rail network was up and running very shortly after the storms had subsided, with only the most seriously damaged sections of line taking longer to open.