It’s here: the UK’s first fall of snow of the season. While it looks very pretty and is one of Britain’s favourite forms of winter weather, snow can wreak havoc on our rail services and cause a lot of really annoying delays.
Snow and ice can build up on the rail lines, coat overhead lines and the electrified third rail, which stops vehicles from getting the power they need to run and can leave them stranded. So, if you’re meant to be catching a train today (November 19), read on for what you need to know.
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Are trains running normally during the snow?
Trains rarely run as normal when it snows in the UK. With a yellow weather warning in force across much of the country, train operators have warned passengers to prepare for potential disruption.
National Rail has warned that the current chilly spell and severe weather could affect lines across the country until tomorrow (Wednesday, November 20).
Which train lines are affected?
Most train lines in the Midlands, northern England and Wales, Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland are likely to be affected by the snow and ice, so make sure to check their websites before you travel. Those trainlines include:
What advice has National Rail given?
National Rail has warned that various routes could be impacted until at least midday today. It recommends that you check your entire journey before travelling, particularly if you are travelling through the Calder Valley, Southern Pennines or Peak District.
You can check the status of your journey on National Rail’s Journey Planner. It advises that you could be entitled to compensation if your journey is affected by delays. Just make sure that you keep your train ticket and make note of your journey to support your claim.
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