Merseyrail train disruption as tree falls on tracks

A Merseyrail train at Birkenhead North station, Wirral
-Credit:Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo


There is disruption on a Merseyrail line this afternoon (January 26) as a fallen tree has blocked the tracks. The West Kirby line is disrupted due to a tree blocking the railway at Leasowe. Services on that line are currently starting and ending at Birkenhead North.

The rail operator posted on X (formerly Twitter) to say: "Due to a fallen tree at Leasowe, services on the West Kirby line will start and terminate at Birkenhead North. Rail replacement buses are now in operation between Birkenhead North and West Kirby."

Disruption is expected until around 3pm today. It comes as a yellow weather warning for wind is in place for Merseyside today. The Met Office says: "Strong winds are likely to cause some disruption on Sunday." It tells people to expect:

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  • Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely

  • It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves

  • Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer

  • Some short term loss of power and other services is possible

  • Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely

In his forecast for this weekend, Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “The influence of Storm Éowyn on the UK’s weather will diminish as it moves further north and east on Saturday morning, but there’s little respite in the conditions for some with the next area of low pressure arriving from the southwest on Sunday.

“While Sunday’s system doesn’t have the same strength as Eowyn, it will hamper some recovery efforts and bring further wind and rain, with the possibility of some flooding in places. 10-20mm of rain will fall quite widely on Sunday in central and southern England, much of Wales and Northern Ireland, with 30-50mm possible over high ground. Thundery showers could top up totals later in the day for some.

“With this rain falling on saturated ground in many places, there’s a chance of flooding for some, with winds an accompanying hazard with the system.”