RAIL passengers are being urged to check their journeys ahead of Storm Ciara warning.

The storm is forecast to to bring gale force winds of up to 85 mph on Sunday which could cause travel disruptions.

Transport for Wales Operations Director Martyn Brennan and Chris Pearce, Head of Operations, Network Rail Wales and Borders said:

“With Storm Ciara set to bring gale force winds of up to 85 mph on Sunday, Transport for Wales and Network Rail continue to urge all customers to check their journeys prior to travel.

“We’re expecting very stormy conditions, high tides and winds that have the potential to uproot trees and damage infrastructure.

“The safety of our customers and colleagues is our absolute priority so there will be speed restrictions across our network, while some lines will not have any services at all.

“We are working closely together to minimise any disruption and will do all we can to keep our customers moving and informed.”

The following lines will not have a TfW service operating on Sunday:

Wales & Cross Borders, Heart of Wales, Cambrian Line (West of Shrewsbury), Shrewsbury-Birmingham International (West Midlands Trains hourly service still running), West of Llandudno Junction to Holyhead, Llandudno Town – Llandudno.

Lines West of Swansea, Barry to Bridgend via Vale of Glamorgan, Blaenau Branch, Ebbw Vale Branch

Maesteg Branch, Core Valley Lines, Rhymney Valley (Already closed due to pre-planned engineering works), Treherbert: No services north of Pontypridd, Merthyr: No services north of Pontypridd, Aberdare: No services north of Pontypridd.

Service Alterations

Marches line services to/from Manchester will start and terminate at Crewe.

Other services between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly are available.

Please note operators are unable to provide replacement road transport for those routes affected.