Transport operators warn against travel during Storm Eunice

Transport operators in the region are calling for passengers to avoid travelling on public transport during weather disruption expected due to Storm Eunice.

Train company, Northern, emailed customers on Thursday 17th February, advising train passengers to avoid travelling between 9am and 9pm to avoid disruption on the network expected due to high winds and heavy rainfall and snow being forecast. The train company also confirmed that tickets dated for Friday 18 February will be valid on Northern services on Saturday 19 February to allow passengers to reschedule their trips.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is urging bus and tram passengers as well as drivers to travel only if necessary on Friday 18th February while a Met Office amber weather warning is in place between 3am and 9pm.

Storm Eunice is expected to bring high winds and heavy rainfall causing significant disruption, with a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life. Snow is also anticipated on higher ground in parts of Greater Manchester and surrounding areas.

TfGM also warned that there is a risk falling branches and uprooted trees may block Metrolink and rail lines across Greater Manchester and damage power lines and other infrastructure. Bad weather earlier this week has already caused significant disruption to the tram lines after overhead power lines were damaged.

Alex Cropper, Interim Head of Operations at TfGM, said:

“Storm Eunice is expected to bring heavy winds which could severely affect public transport across Greater Manchester. 

“There is a risk that debris such as trees or branches could be blown onto tracks, disrupting services and damaging equipment. 

“With the Met Office warning that the weather could result in a danger to life, I’d strongly urge people to stay safe and think carefully before travelling and travel only if absolutely necessary.”