Hundreds of train passengers stranded as Scotland is virtually CUT OFF from rest of UK as 60mph storm floods tracks
HUNDREDS of passengers are stranded on trains as biblical floods have swamped tracks – virtually cutting off Scotland from the rest of the UK.
At least a foot of water is gushing on railway lines between Penrith North, Cumbria, and Lockerbie, Scotland completely blocking services.
There are currently no trains running from Lockerbie to Euston, Virgin Trains confirmed.
Five trains have been trapped or blocked by the floods, NetworkRail Scotland added.
And parts of railway lines have now been washed away, the rail company added.
The West Coast Main Line has now been closed.
One stranded passenger, on an Edinburgh-bound TransPennine train, said: “We’ve been stuck for over an hour with no sign of moving.
“The driver said we’ll have to reverse back down to Carlisle and then find our way from there. But no trains are going north and the roads are really bad too.
“Everyone is exasperated.”
Another train rider said: “Been sitting at a standstill outside Lockerbie on the Glasgow to London train for the past two hours.”
Dozens have expressed their concerns as they’re travelling with young children, or waiting for loved ones on the other side.
One parent is worried sick as her daughter is “stranded between a field on a train”.
She tweeted: “My daughter’s stuck on a train in a field between Carlisle and Lockerbie.”
Another said: “In lockerbie travelling to Euston have been put off train promises buses no more information and information filtering through that no buses are being provided can someone confirm?
“I’m travelling with young children.”
MONTH’S WORTH OF RAIN
Heavy overnight downpours caused floods from Carlisle and Lockrbie, with water still running spilling off nearby fields onto tracks.
And weather conditions may not improve for the next 24 hours, as forecasters expect parts of Scotland to be drenched with 80mm of rain.
Network Rail has imposed speed restrictions on many routes, particularly in coastal areas, where wind speeds are forecast to hit 60mph.
The Met Office has put in place yellow warnings for thunderstorms in Scotland and Northern Ireland and for strong winds across Wales and most of England.
Forecaster Craig Snell said heavy rain was affecting the northern border areas of England into Scotland, with further showers expected in the north as heavy and slow-moving thunderstorms roll through.
Mr Snell said: “No matter where you are in the UK you’re at risk of seeing some kind of localised disruption from wind.
“It’s a case of staying in touch with weather forecasts and being prepared for extra travel time as there may be road closures due to localised flooding.”
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Virgin Trains warned people against travelling north, with passengers urged to check their journey before they set off.
Many events planned for this weekend have been cancelled due to the weather.
Others heading to Fringe Festival for the weekend said they were going to cancel their trip and return home.
Customers travelling between Carlisle and Glasgow Central / Edinburgh are advised not to travel.
Several LGBT+ pride events, including in Chester, Milton Keynes and Plymouth, were postponed over safety concerns but are due to be rearranged.
The first day of Blackpool Air Show on Saturday was cancelled, as was nearby St Anne’s International Kite Festival, as winds of 45mph were forecast for the afternoon.
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