Storm Goretti disruption - 8/9 January 2026

[Bletchleyite]

Just spotted on RealTimeTrains that there's a 22.02 from Bletchley to Northampton that misses the Long Buckby connection by 10 minutes. But it would still get me home earlier, even with 50 minutes wait at Northampton. Is there a reason this doesn't show in journey planners? I'll need to make a choice about aiming for Northampton or Rugby and don't want to make the wrong decision. I've just split the journey up and searched Bletchley to Northampton, Northampton to Long Buckby and neither train shows as an option - 22.02 from Bletchley doesn't show at all and 23.12 from Northampton shows cancelled. Weird.

2202 does show for Bletchley-Northampton, have you left a via point in or something? If you can get this one it would be the best bet - it's down as a 10 car, the one after is a 4 which is ludicrous with such a reduced service.

 

[CharlieSpotted]

I can't find it right now, but there are photos of 50049 sitting proudly at New Street, so it did make it onto NR metals at least and was hopefully of some use!

 

[nilvaj395]

I think, what people would like to see is Network Rail identifying a train might become stuck, and then employing countermeasures - rather than going "nah, not worth the bother"

Risk of trees on the line? Put a crew of workman on the train with chainsaws.

Risk of snow? Attach plough to front of train.

There is no "can do" attitude anywhere in this country any more: just people giving reasons why stuff can't be done, and therefore deploying no energy, or out of box thinking, to get them done.

This isn't just limited to the railway - its a general criticism of the nation we've evolved into.

We're so in love with SoPs that we have zero adaptability - don't get me wrong, I understand why: in an era where trying and failing results in a court case or public enquiry, why try?

The biggest problem on this forum is that railway staff can't see that passengers most of the time are angry at the government, not the staff (I know their wording can be confusing but I think ultimately it's where the anger lies)

To the extent you really just invited people to basically come fight you...!

100%

 

[KNN]

My mum is currently at Manchester Piccadilly and is meant to travel on the 12:25 train to Reading with an advanced ticket. However, with no CrossCountry trains serving Manchester at the moment, does anyone know if there is a is a ticket acceptance in place? As in could she get Avanti to Stafford then London North Western to Birmingham?

No ticket acceptance, advice is to go home. Ticket can be used on a different day.

The only realistic option today looks to be paying for a new ticket and going to Euston then back up to Reading, but I'm not on the ground there, all I'd say is avoid the Midlands.

Incident: Storm Goretti XC | National Rail

Storm Goretti is impacting CrossCountry services. Find details of all current incidents on National Rail Enquiries.

www.nationalrail.co.uk

(Link to National Rail Enquiries page about how Storm Goretti is affecting CrossCountry and what you should do)

 

[Bald Rick]

Perhaps some evidence will help

Yesterday, 96.2% of scheduled services ran in full, calling at all their scheduled stops. 84.4% of the station calls made by these services were no more than 2 minutes late.

Today, the numbers so far are 95.3% and 87.2%.

Clearly the railway has thrown in the towel and is not attempting to run a service.


That’s me out.

 

[Bletchleyite]

No ticket acceptance, advice is to go home. Ticket can be used on a different day.

Of course the PRO gives a right to be rerouted in this case - but actually getting that right would prove challenging. Realistically in most cases attempting it (in writing, so do it by Xing their customer services), documenting the refusal, buying an Avanti ticket then bringing a claim on the Small Claims Track for the additional fare paid is the only mechanism available for ensuring these rights are available. And for most people that's too much faff with no guarantee of actual success.

 

[01d-and]

I can't find it right now, but there are photos of 50049 sitting proudly at New Street, so it did make it onto NR metals at least and was hopefully of some use!

SVR's Jonathon "Gus" Dunster was interviewed on Radio Hereford and Worcester earlier. He seemed well pleased with every ones efforts.

 

[sheff1]

Meanwhile, in my bit of the Hope Valley, we didn’t actually get a vast amount of snow overnight and the temperature is above freezing. Win Hill and Lose Hill are only lightly covered.

It’s warmer and less snowy where I am than it was on Monday. Quite surprising.

Also being in the amber warning area I woke to less than 2cm of snow which was already melting.

Didn’t surprise me, as I said yesterday before the amber warning kicked in, the forecast was for normal winter weather conditions and not the “extreme” conditions claimed by some.

 

[TwinTurbostar]

No ticket acceptance, advice is to go home. Ticket can be used on a different day.

The only realistic option today looks to be paying for a new ticket and going to Euston then back up to Reading, but I'm not on the ground there, all I'd say is avoid the Midlands.

Incident: Storm Goretti XC | National Rail

Storm Goretti is impacting CrossCountry services. Find details of all current incidents on National Rail Enquiries.

www.nationalrail.co.uk

(Link to National Rail Enquiries page about how Storm Goretti is affecting CrossCountry and what you should do)

She is always welcome to ask the staff/TM though, it never hurts to try. XC are running between Birmingham and Leicester, so if she can get from Manchester to Nuneaton, changing there for Birmingham, and then again for Reading, would be another option to consider.

 

[KNN]

Of course the PRO gives a right to be rerouted in this case - but actually getting that right would prove challenging. Realistically in most cases attempting it (in writing, so do it by Xing their customer services), documenting the refusal, buying an Avanti ticket then bringing a claim on the Small Claims Track for the additional fare paid is the only mechanism available for ensuring these rights are available. And for most people that's too much faff with no guarantee of actual success.

I don't know the specific legislation you are referring to, but as a rule ticket acceptance seems to be applied when there is a realistic chance of getting everyone to their destinations. In this instance the Avanti from Manchester will likely be packed to the rafters with valid ticket holders.

 

[sheff1]

Today, the numbers so far are 95.3% and 87.2%. Clearly the railway has thrown in the towel and is not attempting to run a service.

The perception is that the towel was thrown in on the Hope Valley where all services today remain cancelled, whereas after previous heavier snowfalls trains continued to run.

 

[thenorthern]

Just heard there has apparently been a fatality at Wilmslow so trains into Manchester are now being diverted/cancelled.

 

[yorkie]

Can we have a third option for the people who want to speculate about what is happening?

Anyone is welcome to create a new thread, where appropriate

Just heard there has apparently been a fatality at Crewe so trains are now being diverted/cancelled.

Can you edit your post to include a link and quote, when one becomes available, please.

No ticket acceptance, advice is to go home. Ticket can be used on a different day.

The only realistic option today looks to be paying for a new ticket and going to Euston then back up to Reading, but I'm not on the ground there, all I'd say is avoid the Midlands.

Incident: Storm Goretti XC | National Rail

Storm Goretti is impacting CrossCountry services. Find details of all current incidents on National Rail Enquiries.

www.nationalrail.co.uk

(Link to National Rail Enquiries page about how Storm Goretti is affecting CrossCountry and what you should do)

This is not correct; there is no requirement to purchase a new ticket.

The customer is entitled to be re-routed; this is a legally binding contractual right that is irrespective of any "ticket acceptance" and, if there are absolutely no trains whatsoever on any alternative route between the origin and destination, then the customer would be entitled to have the cost of alternative transport reimbursed.

 

[S101]

Judged from the SW Sheffield side of Totley Tunnel it's not too bad. After black ice everywhere yesterday it may be deceptive as snow is lying more deeply in some places. In Sheffield itself traffic will be moving with care. Many suburban roads in Dore & Totley have been ploughrd overnight. Buses are running.

For those looking forward to total chaos it's not happening and there's not much snow forecast for today.

However, over the hill in Hathersage and up Edale it can often look very different.

Earles Box opened today, and reported not much snow, couple of cm's. Its absolutely ridiculous that the service has been cancelled for this. Even worse when you consider that bus services are running to Castleton, while the railway is shut.

 

[Spartacus]

The widespread withdrawl of services is a very predicable, and in my view understandable response to episodes where NR in particular have been fined millions after weather related incidents. Even without questions of where you find the trained staff with equipment at short notice, something like carrying a lumberjack on board's only good for fallen timber, it won't help the driver with a branch through his abdomen in the cab. There might only be a small risk, but if the liability, as well as danger, if it does occur is great, it's inevitable that not only a risk adverse culture will prevail, but a positively risk allergic one will be almost inevitable. And it's not just the risk for the trains, crew & passengers, it's the signallers getting to and from work, the P Way trying to do their job, or not as the case may be.

 

[adc82140]

Earles Box opened today, and reported not much snow, couple of cm's. Its absolutely ridiculous that the service has been cancelled for this.

There's also the issue though of whether staff can get in to run a service. You don't need a huge amount of snow for roads to become a problem.

Looking at the weather radar, all but the extreme SE is now falling as rain, so hopefully things will improve rapidly.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I don't know the specific legislation you are referring to, but as a rule ticket acceptance seems to be applied when there is a realistic chance of getting everyone to their destinations. In this instance the Avanti from Manchester will likely be packed to the rafters with valid ticket holders.

I've just checked and none of the trains from Manchester-Euston over the next few hours are showing as "sold out", which they would be were this true. Were I in the original poster's position and absolutely needing to travel, as that capacity exists, I would be tempted to try that PRO approach (ask for rerouting specifically mentioning the relevant legislation, be denied in writing, buy a ticket, bring a legal claim) though it isn't as I said completely without risk and it is a bit of a faff.

TOCs do not always arrange acceptance where this would be reasonable. While some have done in this case, "do not travel" is very often used as an excuse not to, particularly in the case of strikes but also in other cases, and neither of these matters are exceptions to the provisions of the PRO.

This link gives full details of the PRO - I've not quoted it in full because it's rather long but have quoted a summary section of its provisions:

Provisions in the regulation​

Listed below are the provisions contained in the regulation:

• articles 1- 3 cover subject matter, scope and definitions
• article 4: transport contract
• article 5: bicycles
• article 6: exclusion of waiver and stipulation of limits
• article 7: information regarding discontinuance of services
• article 8: information for passengers
• article 9: availability of tickets, through tickets and reservations
• article 10: travel information and reservation systems
• article 11: liability for passengers and luggage
• article 12: insurance
• article 13: advance payments of compensation to those injured or the dependants of those killed in an accident
• article 14: assistance in seeking compensation from third parties when a railway undertaking contests its own liability for an accident
• article 15: compensation in the event of delays, missed connections and cancellations
• article 16: reimbursement and re-routing in the event of delays
• article 17: compensation of the ticket price (refunds in the case of delays)
• article 18: assistance to passengers in the event of delays (such as meals, possible alternative transport and hotel accommodation)
• articles 19 and 20(1): rights of passengers with reduced mobility
• article 20 (2): rights of passengers with reduced mobility
• article 21: accessibility of stations and rolling stock
• article 22: assistance for persons with reduced mobility at stations
• article 23: assistance for persons with reduced mobility on trains
• article 24: conditions under which assistance is provided
• article 25: compensation in respect of mobility equipment – removal of any limits to liability
• article 26: Personal security of passengers
• article 27: complaints handling
• article 28: service quality standards
• article 29: information to passengers about their rights
• article 30: enforcement

Guidance on regulation No 1371/2007 on rail passengers' rights and obligations

www.gov.uk

In this case the relevant section is this:

Assistance to passengers in the event of delays (such as meals, possible alternative travel and hotel accommodation)​

As set out in article 18, in the event of a delay, passengers must be kept informed of the situation by the railway undertaking or by the station manager including current estimated departure and arrival times as soon as such information is available.

In the case of delays over 60 minutes, the passenger shall be offered free of charge:

1. meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time if these are available on the train or station or can be reasonably[footnote 1] supplied
2. hotel or other accommodation and transport between the station and the accommodation in cases where a stay of one or more nights becomes necessary, when physically possible
3. transport from the train to the station if the train is blocked on the track, to an alternative departure point or the final destination of the service, where physically possible

Where the railway service cannot be provided, the railway undertakings shall provide alternative transport as soon as possible.

Where there is disruption, the railway undertaking shall certify the same on the ticket when requested by the passenger.

When discharging these duties, the railway undertaking shall pay particular attention to the needs of people with a disability and others with reduced mobility.

"Possible" isn't defined so would take a common-law definition. If seats are on sale on the Avanti West Coast service, which they are, then it is clearly "possible" to re-route passengers onto it by purchasing those tickets up to the point that they are "sold out" regardless of whether Avanti wants to offer formal acceptance or not - the tickets are on sale for anyone to purchase, including if another operator wants to purchase all of them - they simply have to pay the public rate, just as easyJet would have to do if you requested your legal right to be re-routed onto Ryanair in the event of severe disruption (the rights for air travel are very similar). That you can't necessarily do it for everyone on the same train isn't listed as a reason you can't do it at all, that's like saying you can't put people up in a hotel at all if you have 11 people and 10 rooms, you can clearly put 10 up.

PRO appears to stand for Passenger Rights and Obligations, by the way.

 

[Lewisham2221]

Just heard there has apparently been a fatality at Wilmslow so trains into Manchester are now being diverted/cancelled.

Can you edit your post to include a link and quote, when one becomes available please.

Incident: Wilmslow | National Rail

Lines reopened: disruption between Stockport and Crewe. Find details of all current incidents on National Rail Enquiries.

www.nationalrail.co.uk

The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Stockport and Crewe. Whilst the emergency services carry out their work, all lines between these stations are closed. Trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes, revised or diverted.

Disruption is expected until 13:00.

 

[S101]

There's also the issue though of whether staff can get in to run a service. You don't need a huge amount of snow for roads to become a problem.

Looking at the weather radar, all but the extreme SE is now falling as rain, so hopefully things will improve rapidly.

All boxes in the Hope Valley are open. There was a class 37 on a proving run this morning, the boxes remain open for business. Its a bit embarrassing from a railway perspective, as the public service buses are running from Sheffield to Castleton etc. But the railway decided to give up before anything had happened. Sigh.

 

[Lewisham2221]

Looks like, despite all the negativity, Northern and Network Rail are looking to reopen lines and resume services, as soon as possible today.

Network disruption
There is some continued disruption on our rail network following Storm Goretti.

We are working with Network Rail to reopen the network - please see below for the latest travel advice.

Chesterfield to Nottingham
Trains are now running again - please check before you travel.

Huddersfield - Barnsley
Trains are now running again - please check before you travel.

Guide Bridge - Glossop/Hadfield
Trains are now running again - please check before you travel.

Hazel Grove - Buxton
We are working to have trains running again after 13:00 on Friday 9 January. Please check before your travel for the latest updates.

New Mills Central - Sheffield
We intend to reopen service later in the afternoon on Friday 9 January - please check before you travel.

Storm Goretti travel disruption

Northern | Buy Cheap Train Tickets and Check Train Times

www.northernrailway.co.uk

 

[adc82140]

All boxes in the Hope Valley are open. There was a class 37 on a proving run this morning, the boxes remain open for business. Its a bit embarrassing from a railway perspective, as the public service buses are running from Sheffield to Castleton etc. But the railway decided to give up before anything had happened. Sigh.

Drivers? Guards?

 

[CHAPS2034]

Incident: Wilmslow | National Rail

Lines reopened: disruption between Stockport and Crewe. Find details of all current incidents on National Rail Enquiries.

www.nationalrail.co.uk

Not at Wilmslow. Northern local trains are running through there and terminating at Alderley Edge. So incident is further south west of Alderley en route to Crewe.

From NRE
Services running between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe via Manchester Airport / Stockport will terminate at Alderley Edge. Services running from Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly via Stockport / Manchester Airport will start at Alderley Edge.

 

[Tetchytyke]

As if to prove the point about communication.

JourneyCheck says the 1214 from Hadfield to Manchester is cancelled. This message was apparetly posted at 5am yesterday:

Image above is a screenshot from Northern JOurneyCheck showing the 1214 train is cancelled.

And here is RTT showing that the train is running in passenger service and is currently at Glossop:

Image above is a screenshot from RealTimeTrains showing that the 1214 train is operating.

So if I look on JourneyCheck it still looks like they're not running anything!

This is really basic stuff.

 

[DarloRich]

This has been forwarded to me. Despite all of the "Britain has gone soft" moaning on here, this is a fine example of management at Network Rail using their initiative to source a snowplough.

[Image appears to be a Facebook post on the SVR Diesels group, 50049 was hired by Network Rail at short notice]

bring bring: Hello Kidderminster diesel depot

Hello, This is the Network Rail Control centre. By any chance do you have a snowplough fitted class 37 we could borrow for the evening?

Sorry no 37's available.

Oh all ours are in Scotland

Hang on, I can do you a deal on a class 50 for the evening. Would that work.................

 

[Bletchleyite]

Realtime Trains is often wrong in that regard, with cancellations often not appearing until later on as it doesn't have a Darwin feed, but in this case that train is indeed in passenger service according to online sources like trying to buy a ticket for it using a journey planner.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jan 2026 ==

Hang on, I can do you a deal on a class 50 for the evening. Would that work.................

I'm reminded of that case a while back when a steam locomotive was used on a Manchester Metrolink engineering train...

 

[S101]

Drivers? Guards?

Then cancel the affected service because of that particular staffing problem, but don't shut the whole lot down. The Hope Valley is open, there is no reason for it to not be having a service. Bus drivers also have to get to work, and the buses are running.

 

[Lewisham2221]

Not at Wilmslow. Northern local trains are running through there and terminating at Alderley Edge. So incident is further south west of Alderley en route to Crewe.

From NRE
Services running between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe via Manchester Airport / Stockport will terminate at Alderley Edge. Services running from Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly via Stockport / Manchester Airport will start at Alderley Edge.

Correct, it's much further SW, I'm just posting what the NRE site says.

 

[Horizon22]

I think, what people would like to see is Network Rail identifying a train might become stuck, and then employing countermeasures - rather than going "nah, not worth the bother"

Risk of trees on the line? Put a crew of workman on the train with chainsaws.

Risk of snow? Attach plough to front of train.

There is no "can do" attitude anywhere in this country any more: just people giving reasons why stuff can't be done, and therefore deploying no energy, or out of box thinking, to get them done.

I don't think it's a lack of a "can do" attitude just an appreciation of a reality of the resources you have available to you at any given time / location, and the amount of work required. And, having done that assessment, making a realistic proposal about the sevrice provision. Having enough snowploughs and "workmen with chainsaws" can not just be sorted with the click of a fingers.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

As if to prove the point about communication.

JourneyCheck says the 1214 from Hadfield to Manchester is cancelled. This message was apparetly posted at 5am yesterday:
View attachment 195548

And here is RTT showing that the train is running in passenger service and is currently at Glossop:
View attachment 195549

So if I look on JourneyCheck it still looks like they're not running anything!

This is really basic stuff.

There are two services at exactly the same time
One cancelled, one running.
Opening journey check for any station on the line now shows 2tph

 

[Horizon22]

Perhaps some evidence will help

Yesterday, 96.2% of scheduled services ran in full, calling at all their scheduled stops. 84.4% of the station calls made by these services were no more than 2 minutes late.

Today, the numbers so far are 95.3% and 87.2%.

Clearly the railway has thrown in the towel and is not attempting to run a service.


That’s me out.

Don't provide facts like that!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jan 2026 ==

There's also the issue though of whether staff can get in to run a service. You don't need a huge amount of snow for roads to become a problem.

Looking at the weather radar, all but the extreme SE is now falling as rain, so hopefully things will improve rapidly.

There are certainly locations across the country where signallers, train crew, and controllers have been unable to get to from their home to their work location to start their shift today. It's by no means universal, but it has certainly happened.