Storm Franklin: South Western Railway urges essential travel only

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.

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”

The third named storm within the week is hitting the UK, just as hundreds of thousands of homes have their power reconnected after Storm Eunice.

Franklin's not expected to be as strong but Surrey and East Hampshire is covered by a yellow warning for wind until 1pm today.

Last night a train struck a tree in Fleet.