Train services at Glasgow Central have faced significant disruptions due to heavy flooding on the morning of Thursday, May 23, 2024. Avanti West Coast has announced the cancellation of services between Preston and Glasgow/Edinburgh in both directions because of flooding between Carlisle and Lockerbie. Travelers are being urged not to attempt journeys on these routes, as the flooding has caused widespread service cancellations and delays.
The heavy flooding is a result of the River Caldew in England bursting its banks, which has inundated the West Coast Main Line in Carlisle. This critical section of the rail network is now impassable, affecting all services between Glasgow Central, Edinburgh Waverley, and Carlisle. The disruption has significant implications for travel and tourism, particularly for those planning to travel to or from Glasgow.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain in Glasgow and the wider Strathclyde area, effective until 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23. This adverse weather condition has further complicated travel plans, adding to the chaos caused by the flooding.
Network Rail and Avanti West Coast have issued statements emphasizing the severity of the situation and advising passengers to avoid travel on affected routes. A Network Rail spokesperson highlighted the flooding caused by the River Caldew and its impact on the West Coast Main Line.
The severe flooding affecting Glasgow Central train services is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in transportation infrastructure to extreme weather events. The disruptions are expected to significantly impact travel and tourism, causing inconvenience to passengers and potentially affecting the local economy. Travelers are advised to stay updated on service changes and consider alternative travel arrangements until normal operations resume.
