Storm Boelo is prompting weekend rail restrictions across northern Britain, with passengers being urged to reconsider some journeys on October 24 and 25. National Rail's overnight update lists several operators making service alterations and warns that disruption could continue into Monday, October 26, depending on the storm's effects. Travellers should check the whole route, including connections, rather than assume a train running on one part of a journey means the rest is available.
The advice affects different routes in different ways. National Rail identifies TransPennine Express journeys as essential-travel-only on Saturday and Sunday, while LNER is advising against Sunday travel between Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Avanti West Coast passengers are being advised to avoid travel north of Preston on Sunday. These are operator-specific instructions, not a statement that every railway in Britain is closed.
Which trains and tickets are affected?
The TransPennine Express notice, updated early on October 24, says no trains will run between Carlisle and Edinburgh or Glasgow Central on Sunday. Manchester Airport services will terminate at Carlisle, while trains between Liverpool Lime Street and Glasgow Central will be cancelled. No replacement road transport is planned because of the expected weather.
For Saturday, the same notice lists no planned timetable changes but says Scottish speed restrictions will apply. That does not remove the operator's essential-travel-only advice. Passengers who must travel are being told to allow more time and check again before leaving, because further changes could be made as the weather develops.
TransPennine Express tickets dated Sunday, October 25, can instead be used on its services on Saturday, Monday or Tuesday without buying another ticket. Passengers unable to complete their journey, or whose intended train is cancelled, can seek a refund from their original retailer. The notice also warns that the limited services operating could face last-minute cancellations or crowding.
LNER's separate notice sets out a reduced Sunday service north of Northallerton and Darlington. It expects one train an hour towards Newcastle and Edinburgh, while services between London King's Cross and Doncaster or Leeds are expected to run normally. Short-notice changes remain possible, so this is not a guarantee for an individual departure.
Almost all LNER services to and from Aberdeen are due to be cancelled on Sunday, with the 13:47 Aberdeen to Edinburgh departure listed as the exception. Replacement coaches will not run between Edinburgh and Aberdeen because of the weather and expected road closures. LNER says other operators are also affected, so switching train companies will not provide an alternative on that stretch.
Tickets for the affected LNER journeys to or from Aberdeen and intermediate stations, dated October 25, can be used on alternative LNER services through Tuesday, October 27. Saturday passengers also need to account for an already amended timetable caused by engineering work between Doncaster and Northallerton, separate from the storm restrictions.
Weather and road advice for the weekend
The Met Office's October 23 weekend forecast places the strongest winds in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. It forecasts gusts of 60 to 70 mph, potentially higher in exposed places. Rain is expected to move east on Saturday, with western coasts and high ground among the areas facing persistent rainfall.
Sunday is forecast to remain wet and windy in Scotland and northern England, including heavy rain in northern and northeastern Scotland. Southern England and Wales should be drier than on Saturday but still gusty. The forecast describes another possible spell of wet and windy weather on Monday, rather than promising an immediate return to settled conditions.
Police Scotland's travel advice asks road users to consider delaying unnecessary journeys. It warns that wet-road stopping distances can be at least twice those in dry conditions and that spray can reduce visibility. Heavy-goods vehicle and bus drivers are advised to use particular caution.
For necessary trips, police recommend a charged phone, an alternative route, sufficient fuel, warm clothes, food and water in case of delays. Road closure signs must not be ignored. These precautions accompany the official warning; they are not a substitute for checking current road conditions and the latest rail notice before setting out.
Related travel coverage: read our earlier reports on UK airport eGate eligibility and the October update to UK advice for India-bound travellers.
