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As it happenedended

UK travel news: Millions passengers face disruption amid heavy floods

Millions of travellers are expected to travel for Christmas today

Friday 20 December 2019 09:26 GMT
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UK weather: Flooded railway tracks lead to major travel disruption in south east England

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For the next two weeks, millions of rail passengers will find journeys across Britain difficult. They will be hit by a combination of Network Rail engineering work, strikes and nature.

UK airports will also be busy over the festive period, with millions of passengers expected to pass through on midwinter trips.

Flood warnings are in place across the UK, with disruption expected for drivers.

If you're driving in north Yorkshire today, leave extra time for your journey.

Cathy Adams20 December 2019 12:18

Surrey Police have shared a picture of a completely flooded Junction 10 on the M23. In their words, "no words needed!"

helen.coffey20 December 2019 12:53

Network Rail Kent and Sussex is clearing a landslip between Robertsbridge and Etchingham (Hastings line). One line is blocked with the other needed for access so Southeastern is laying on replacement buses between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings.

"We are deploying resources now, more information will be shared as soon as we have it," said Network Rail.

 

helen.coffey20 December 2019 13:16

Flooding in the Mitcham area is causing disruption to Southern's Epsom/London Victoria services.

"The team are working hard to remove debris from drainage systems & hope to have a further update shortly," the train operator said on social media.

helen.coffey20 December 2019 13:33

Data from traffic specialists Inrix has predicted that the most jammed section of road today is going to be on the M6 northbound between Sutton Coldfield and Wolverhampton, with the highest traffic volumes between now and 7pm.

Elsewhere, the roads are going to be busiest between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 22 December.

Cathy Adams20 December 2019 13:49

At least the UK isn't shivering in temperatures as low as -7C, which caused Lake Ontario in Canada to freeze over...

Cathy Adams20 December 2019 14:16

Southern has announced that all lines between Three Bridges and Brighton are now open again.

"We're working to get a regular service back in place," the train operator said on social media. "However, services will remain subject to cancellation and delay."

Passengers can use alternative routes through various ticket acceptance schemes. For advice on which services are accepting Southern tickets, click here.

helen.coffey20 December 2019 15:16

According to National Rail, Greater Anglia services are currently unable to call at Shenfield due to a problem with station lighting. Passengers are advised to use TfL Rail services for Shenfield instead.

helen.coffey20 December 2019 15:56

All lines are blocked between Wokingham and Ascot on South Western Railway, due to a road accident at a level crossing, the train operator says.

Disruption is expected until 5pm today.

Cathy Adams20 December 2019 16:13

Yellow weather warnings have been issued across Northern Ireland for dense and freezing fog.

The warning will remain in place until 11am on Saturday.

Cathy Adams20 December 2019 16:15

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