STORM ISHA: ScotRail confirm all rail routes cancelled from 7pm with Monday rush hour services also suspended
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ScotRail is advising customers that all services across the country will be suspended from 7pm tonight (Sunday) and there will be no rush hour services on Monday morning, as the extreme weather from Storm Isha arrives.
With the safety of customers and staff of paramount importance, Network Rail has taken the decision to close the railway to passenger services while the worst of the weather hits the infrastructure.
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This follows a further review of the weather forecasts this afternoon, which shows that the conditions will be much worse in many areas than earlier forecasts had predicted.
Customers should note than any trains that depart prior to 7pm will complete their journey.
Heavy winds of up to 70-80 mph are expected, which could lead to trees and other debris falling onto the tracks, making conditions unsafe to operate trains. This could also lead to trains being trapped on the network.
Line closures will continue into Monday. Each route will have to undergo a safety inspection, which means it will be later on Monday before any trains can run.
Customers whose journey has been cancelled or disrupted due to adverse weather can travel two days after the date on their ticket, or also apply for a refund on any unused tickets.
Customer are advised to check the ScotRail website or app before travelling on Monday.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: “The heavy wind and ongoing rain hitting most parts of the country mean that it will not be safe for our customers and our staff, and all ScotRail train services will be suspended from 7pm tonight.
“We know the impact that the withdrawal of train services will have on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of staff and passengers – and this is a necessary step to ensure everyone’s safety during the severe weather.
“Our colleagues at Network Rail Scotland will be working flat out through the night and into the morning to carry out safety checks, and assess what repairs are required to reopen the railway.
“However, customers will be unable to travel early Monday morning, as trains will not be able to operate until the infrastructure has been made safe.
“We will update our website, mobile app, and social media feeds when we have more information, and customers should check for the latest updates before they attempt to travel tomorrow.”
A statement from the Network Rail said: "Our weather specialists confirm the forecast has worsened, with a high likelihood of damage to Scotland’s Railway. All passenger and freight services will be suspended from 7pm, with trains still on the network completing journeys under speed restriction.
"Lines will remain closed on Monday morning. Each route must be inspected by our engineers for damage and fallen trees/debris, which means it will be later on Monday before any trains can run. We will of course keep you up to date on our progress.
"This decision has been made to keep passengers and our people safe. The Met Office have warned that the storm will have a high impact, damaging buildings, homes, power networks, and transport infrastructure. Power cuts may occur and flying debris will also be a risk."
