Travel alert: 80mph winds expected to cause disruption on road and rail

Storm Doris is expected to cause travel disruption tomorrow when it hits the West Midlands tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for tomorrow, as it forecasts “very strong winds” with gusts of up to 80mph.

It said: “Whilst the strongest winds look to be only short-lived, damage to structures, interruptions to power supplies and widespread disruption to travel networks are likely, with a danger of injury from flying debris. Trees are also likely to be damaged or blown over.”

Train operator London Midland, which runs 1,298 services a day from London to Liverpool and across the West Midlands, has warned “travel may be difficult” and is advising rail users to expect disruption. Trains may have to run at reduced speed meaning fewer services, and damage to infrastructure could occur.

London Midland’s passenger services director, Tom Joyner, said: “The advice is check before you set out, allow more time and travel as early as you can. We will do our part by moving as many people as we can as long as the conditions allow us to run trains.”

Highways England has issued its own severe weather alert for high-sided vehicles and motorbikes and is advising all drivers travelling tomorrow to check the forecast and leave extra time for their journeys.