Network Rail Storm Goretti preparations ahead of 8/9 January

Network Rail Storm Goretti preparations are under way as Britain’s railway braces for cold and stormy conditions on Thursday and Friday (8/9 January).

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

With heavy snow, ice, rain and high winds in the forecast, passengers are being urged to check before they travel — particularly on Thursday afternoon and evening and on Friday morning — as set out in a Network Rail Media Centre update.

The storm is expected to run well into the night, which could affect the start of services. For the latest running details, customers are advised to follow National Rail’s “Check Before You Travel” advice and updates from their train operator.

Storm Goretti rail disruption: where the worst weather is forecast

From Thursday afternoon, heavy snow is forecast in Wales, the Midlands and the North West. High winds are forecast in the South West, and the South could also see heavy rain. As conditions develop, readers can monitor Met Office UK weather warnings. As a precaution, some lines will be closed in Wales from Thursday afternoon, and some routes in the North West may also need to be shut.

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Network Rail regional director Jake Kelly said thousands of railway colleagues will do everything they can to keep the railway running across the country on Thursday night and Friday morning, but warned that disruption may still occur in some areas given the scale of the storm. He said Storm Goretti is forecast to impact most of Britain, though some places could be more affected than others, so customers should make sure they have the best information available from National Rail or their operator. In the meantime, he said, teams are working to get the network as prepared as possible to help keep rail customers moving.

Snow and Ice Treatment Trains and other winter measures

Railway colleagues are taking a range of steps ahead of the weather, including clearing and gritting platforms for passengers. Network Rail is also organising extra runs of Snow and Ice Treatment Trains and snow ploughs, while chainsaw gangs will be on shift through the storm to remove blockages.

Crews are checking tunnels for low-hanging icicles, adapting trains for cold weather, and inspecting key drainage sites to make sure they are clear of obstructions. Teams are also checking points heating and working together to adapt service patterns and timetables to the changing weather.

Where to check National Rail service information?

Passengers are urged to check before they travel and to use National Rail service information, along with operator updates, for the latest on disruption, timetable changes and any closures linked to the forecast conditions.

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