Rail passengers across the North West have been urged not to travel on Sunday, 25 October, after train operator Northern issued a strong do-not-travel warning as Storm Boelo brought severe winds, heavy rain and widespread disruption. Northern said it could not operate trains on a number of routes and could not provide replacement road transport on some of them.

Which routes are affected

The warning covers key corridors linking Manchester, Liverpool, Wigan, Preston, Blackpool and Cumbria, where fallen trees, debris on the lines and flooding risk have forced speed restrictions and short-notice cancellations. Network Rail engineers have been clearing branches, inspecting overhead line equipment and checking embankments for waterlogging. The Met Office reported widespread gusts of 50 to 60mph across northern England, with higher speeds in exposed places, alongside periods of intense rainfall.

Tickets and Monday disruption

Passengers holding tickets dated Sunday, 25 October can use them on any Northern service on Monday, 26 October or Tuesday, 27 October at no extra cost, without buying a new ticket. Disruption is also expected on Monday, when some stations will see fewer trains than normal: on the Leeds to Chester route, trains towards Chester will not call at Bramley; some York to Blackpool North trains will not call at New Pudsey in either direction; and Hull to Halifax services will start and finish at Bradford Interchange. Passengers are advised to check journey planners before travelling, as they may take time to reflect short-notice changes.

Sources: Northern and Network Rail updates as reported by Messenger Newspapers and The Traveler.