London is bracing for significant travel disruption as Storm Goretti sweeps across the UK, bringing a "multi-hazard" mix of severe weather to the capital and beyond. While no official weather warning is in place for London specifically, the storm's wide-reaching effects are set to cause major problems for rail networks throughout Thursday and Friday.
Multi-Hazard Storm Set to Disrupt Commutes
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong warned that Storm Goretti will be a complex weather event. "Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, though rain and strong winds also have the potential to bring disruption to many," he stated. The storm's northern edge is expected to bring substantial snowfall, with accumulations of 5-10 cm widely, 15-25 cm in some areas, and potentially up to 30 cm locally on higher ground.
An Amber cold weather health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remains active for all English regions until January 11. Londoners are advised to prepare for a wet and turbulent 48 hours, with the most severe rail disruptions anticipated for services heading north or west out of the city.
Major London Stations and Services Affected
The storm's impact will be felt at some of London's busiest transport hubs. Key stations including Paddington and Waterloo are expected to see significant disruption. International services from St Pancras International are also heavily affected.
The RAC has additionally warned motorists to exercise caution, noting that vehicle breakdowns typically increase during colder temperatures. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.
Full List of Disrupted London Train Services
Passengers are advised to check with their operator before travelling. The following services are confirmed as disrupted:
- Avanti West Coast: Running fewer trains on some routes from 3pm on Thursday until Friday.
- London Northwestern Railway: Operating a reduced timetable on several routes until Friday.
- Eurostar: Experiencing severe delays and cancellations on all services to and from St Pancras International.
- Great Western Railway (GWR): Trains may be delayed or cancelled across the network. Specific affected services include the 9.45pm from Penzance to London Paddington and the 11.45pm from London Paddington to Penzance on Thursday.
- South Western Railway (SWR): Multiple cancellations are in place, including key evening services from London Waterloo to destinations like Weymouth, Poole, Portsmouth Harbour, and Bournemouth. Local services such as the Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier route are also affected.
The greatest risk of widespread disruption is forecast for Thursday night into Friday morning. The Met Office has indicated that weather warnings may be updated as forecasters gain more confidence in the storm's exact track.
