Storm Dudley live updates: Leeds rail service disruption as Met Office amber warning for strong winds remains in place
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An amber level weather warning for strong winds remains in place until midnight, meaning injuries and danger to life are likely as a result of the very strong winds expected. Follow our blog below and refresh the page for the latest updates throughout the evening.
Storm Dudley: Live updates as Leeds rail services disrupted and vaccination centre closes
Key Events
Get the latest updates on the aftermath of the storm and how Leed is preparing for the arrival of Storm Eunice here:
Travel latest after Storm Dudley gales overnight and second storm to come
Leeds has been battered by strong winds and rain overnight as Storm Dudley caused power cuts and travel disruption across the UK.
Police warn only travel if absolutely necessary as Storm Dudley hits the region
West Yorkshire Police is advising motorists to take extra care as they deal with a number of reports of RTCs due to weather conditions.
How to report fallen trees
Some useful numbers here should you spot any fallen trees while out on your travels.
Wind speeds of more than 70mph recorded in West Yorkshire
Heavy rain and 80mph winds have battered parts of the UK as Storm Dudley continues.
As of 5pm, Capel Curig in Wales had experienced gusts of up to 81mph.
Emley Moor near Huddersfield has recorded 74mph winds, while Drumalbin in Scotland was hit by 71mph gales.
Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst told the PA news agency: “We’ve seen Storm Dudley move in over the course of today with strong winds and heavy rain across northern parts of the country.
“This is a complete contrast to areas in the south which have been rather mild and calm for the most part, the temperature even reaching 17C in some areas.
“Exposed areas in Scotland, Northern Ireland, parts of Wales and northern England have seen wind speeds largely between 60 and 70mph but the worst affected areas have reached and even surpassed 80mph this afternoon.
“In terms of rainfall the highest we’ve seen in the past 24 hours is 36.8mm in Low Laithes in west Yorkshire, which is a good amount for the time period.
“These conditions are likely to continue into the evening before mellowing out in the early hours of Thursday.”
Latest Travel Advice From LNER
(LNER) is advising customers travelling to and from Leeds of expected disruption to services due to anticipated extreme weather conditions as a result of Storms Dudley and Eunice over the next few days.
Customers are asked to check in advance of their journeys as a reduced timetable will be in place across parts of the LNER route on Friday February 18.
People who are booked to travel in either direction between York and London King’s Cross or Leeds and London King’s Cross are being advised not to travel on Friday but where possible, make their journey tomorrow, Thursday February 17.
Alternatively, customers can request a full refund from their point of purchase.
Storm Eunice to bring ‘more dangerous’ conditions
While the focus for most people today is on Storm Dudley and the travel disruption it’s causing, the Met Office also has an eye on what we can expect when Storm Eunice arrives on Friday.
Latest update on trains between Leeds, Doncaster and Sheffield
National rail is reporting continued disruption to services passing through Wakefield.
Although lines have reopened following damage to the overhead electric wires between Leeds and Wakefield Westgate earlier, trains running between Leeds and Doncaster/Sheffield via Wakefield Westgate may still be delayed by up to 30 minutes, diverted or cancelled while services recover.
The disruption is expected until around 5pm.
Alternative travel advice
CrossCountry
Passengers may travel on the following services:
- Northern services between Leeds and Sheffield via Wakefield Kirkgate
- TransPennine Express between York and Leeds
LNER
To help with your journey, tickets will be accepted on the following services:
- TransPennine Express between Manchester - Leeds and also between York - Newcastle
- Avanti West Coast between London Euston to Manchester
- CrossCountry between Leeds and York
- Northern between Leeds and Harrogate
Rail replacement coaches are running between Wakefield Westgate and Doncaster.
A new update has been shared with us from Leeds Bradford Airport:
- At present, LBA is open as usual however, adverse weather conditions have caused disruption to flight schedules with Belfast.
- LBA has worked with airline and airport partners to ensure passengers can still travel safely.
- Passengers should check with their airline or tour operator for the status of their flights.
- Passengers can also check our arrivals and departures page on the LBA website for live updates.
- Passengers should check local travel advice and Highways England (and directly with Yorkshire Tiger for bus services) for access to the airport and its surrounding roads
Railway line between Leeds and Wakefield reopens
Northern has provided an update on the earlier damage to the overhead electric wires between Leeds and Wakefield Westgate.
It says the line has now reopened, but has warned passengers that services running through these stations may still be cancelled or delayed.