Storm Franklin hits Dorset
Strong winds are causing issues on the trains
Last updated 21st Feb 2022
Anyone planning to travel on South Western Railway services this morning (21 February) is being told to make other arrangements.
Storm Franklin's expected to bring strong winds - which will cause delays and cancellations.
A yellow weather warning is in force from the Met Office until 1pm.
Bosses say they can't guarantee people will be able to get to their destinations - and tickets will be accepted tomorrow (22 February) instead.
Christian Neill, Customer Experience Director for South Western Railway said:
“We understand Monday marks the first day back from half term for many and we are sorry for the continuing disruption these storms are causing.
"It has been an incredibly challenging few days and our teams have been working tirelessly to clear the tracks to safely run as many trains as possible.
"With more severe weather expected on Monday, we are asking customers not to attempt to travel as we cannot guarantee to get them to their destination”
Mark Killick, Route Director for Network Rail said:
“Storm Franklin is set to cause further disruption on our route so we’re asking our customers not to travel on Monday.
"With strong winds approaching from a different direction, it’s likely that trees weakened by Storm Eunice will be forced down and could block lines.
"The safety of our customers and our staff, who have worked around the clock since Friday to remove debris and repair damaged infrastructure, is our number one priority. I’d like to thank our customers for their patience over the last three days.”
Elsewhere, the Environment Agency has issued a flood alert along the Dorset coast and a number of homes are still thought to be without power after Storm Eunice hit last week.
Richard Gough, Director of Distribution System Operations, said:
“The hurricane-force winds of Storm Eunice have resulted in some of the most extreme and challenging conditions experienced in the south of England for decades, with significant impact on our overhead line network. I would like to apologise to our customers for the continued disruption as our teams work around the clock to restore power.
“I’d also like to recognise our teams in the field and in our control and customer centres, who are doing a brilliant job in very difficult conditions and stand ready to respond to the impact of Storm Franklin, while prioritising restoring customers who have been without power longest.
“We fully appreciate the issues being faced by customers who have been without power since the start of Storm Eunice and as our teams work hard to reconnect the remaining homes, we are actively encouraging all customers who we expect to remain off supply for an extended period to take advantage of our enhanced welfare offer.”
Free breakfasts are being offered to those affected by power cuts at Charlton Down village hall & Portesham village.