09 Jan 2026
Rail services across the majority of the Wales and Borders network have resumed following Storm Goretti but disruption expected throughout Friday
Heart of Wales
Passengers urged to check before travelling on Friday 9 January as Network Rail and Transport for Wales teams continue to work around the clock to clear lines, inspect infrastructure and restore services safely following the storm.
Storm Goretti brought severe conditions across the Wales and Borders route, including frozen points, compacted snow on tracks, fallen trees and power failures in multiple locations.
While some lines were not directly affected, services were altered and sections of the network were temporarily closed as part of a safety-led approach, in line with Met Office advice.
While many routes have now reopened, passengers are advised that there will be residual impacts to services throughout the rest of Friday as teams continue recovery work and safely return the network to full operation.
Some services may will be delayed, amended or cancelled at short notice.
Passengers are strongly advised to
check before travelling as some disruption may continue throughout Friday 9 January, as recovery work continues.
Disruption on the Heart of Wales line and between Shrewsbury and Birmingham is expected to continue into Saturday 10 January.
Up to date information on rail services can be found at
https://tfw.wales/service-status/all-updates
Network Rail colleagues remain on the ground clearing remaining snow, removing debris, repairing faults and carrying out inspections.
Nick Millington, Route Director for Network Rail Wales and the Borders, said, “Storm Goretti brought extremely challenging conditions across the route, including heavy snow, high winds and freezing temperatures, which resulted in issues in several locations. Our teams have worked tirelessly through the night and are continuing today to clear lines, repair damage and inspect the railway so services can restart safely.
“While much of the network is now reopening, there will be some ongoing disruption today as we complete recovery work and return the railway to full service. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience and our colleagues and partners for their hard work in very difficult conditions.”
Patrick Allinson, Head of Control Operations at Transport for Wales added, "We're pleased to be restoring services following Storm Goretti, and we'd like to thank our colleagues and passengers for their understanding.
“Please continue to check before you travel and allow extra time for your journey. Take care when travelling to and from stations as some surfaces may still be slippery."
Nick Westcott, CrossCountry's Service Delivery Director, added: “Storm Goretti has had a significant impact on the CrossCountry network, particularly across the West Midlands, and the past 24 hours have been extremely challenging for both customers and colleagues. Heavy snowfall in the Birmingham area resulted in several trains being stranded and prevented access to our depot, meaning many trains were unable to refuel overnight. Ongoing difficulties for crews travelling into Birmingham have further affected operations.
“As a result, services today are severely disrupted. There are currently no services operating from Birmingham towards Manchester, Nottingham or Cardiff, with only a limited service running on other routes. Our teams are working around the clock with Network Rail to manage the impacts of the storm while maintaining a safe service. Customers are strongly advised to check before travelling"
Rail tickets for Thursday 8 January remain valid for travel up to Sunday 11 January.
