How severe weather can affect our trains
Travel advice during storms, hot weather, snow, ice, heavy rain and wind
From strong winds and heavy rain to frost, snow, and heatwaves, weather can impact the railway in different ways. We plan ahead to keep you moving safely and comfortably.
Here’s what happens during severe weather, how we prepare, and what you can do before you travel.
Information about major weather disruptions to travel will be shown on our Severe Weather Warning page.
How can severe weather affect the railway?
Wind, rain and storms
Strong winds, heavy rain and storms can cause flooding, fallen trees, stray debris on he track and even landslides.
These conditions may mean trains run at lower speeds or services are adjusted for safety. Learn more about what stormy weather does to the railway.
Ice and snow
When temperatures drop, even a light rain or a dusting of snow can freeze onto our tracks. Ice or compacted snow can create a barrier on the electric rail, slowing trains down. In extreme cases, this can halt trains.
Ice can affect track points (the mechanisms allowing trains to change tracks) as well as the couplings between carriages, limiting the flexibility and the number of available trains.
Snow and wind can also pile up as drifts, presenting additional risks and requiring extra caution from our drivers and infrastructure teams. Find out more about wintry weather and the railway.
Hot weather
Rails and overhead lines can expand in high temperatures, so trains may run slower or be delayed to allow us to do extra safety checks.
How we prepare for, and respond to, severe weather
Revised timetables and safety checks
Whilst we always work hard to keep you moving, during hazardous weather we may need to run fewer trains, temporarily close stations or, in rare cases, suspend trains altogether, if conditions make travel unsafe.
Anti-icing and snow clearance
During winter, specially equipped trains known as “snow-and-ice busters” apply anti-icing fluid to the tracks to clear snow and ice, just like spreading salt on the roads.
Heated track points
Key sections of our network have insulated and heated track points to prevent ice build-up and help us keep trains moving.
Station gritting
Throughout the winter we grit our stations to keep you safe when moving through them, boarding and leaving trains.
The Met Office forecast gives a risk of ice which we use to decide whether we need to grit or not.
Information about major weather disruptions to travel will be shown on our Severe Weather Warning page.
What you can do
Check before you travel
Check our website, App & National Rail for the latest service updates & weather alerts.
Plan ahead
If adverse weather is forecast, consider adjusting your travel time.
Allow extra time
Heavy weather often leads to slower services and occasional stops, plan accordingly.
Stay alert
Surfaces may become slippery, keep your eyes peeled and use handrails where provided.
Prepare for the elements
Ensure you are appropriately dressed for the elements to stay comfortable and safe.
Keep contacts informed
Keep family members or colleagues informed about your travel plans & any delays.
Follow safety advice
Pay close attention to safety instructions provided by our staff or through service updates.
Have a contingency plan
If weather conditions worsen, know where nearby sheltered waiting areas or bus stations are.
Download essential apps
Apps from Northern or National Rail provide notifications & real-time updates.
Stay hydrated
Ensure you stay hydrated during hot weather & open train windows where you can.
Leaves covering surfaces
During storms, leaves may cover surfaces, ensure you stay back from the platform edge.
We know you have places to go, and we work hard to get you there. Although extreme weather presents challenges, we are constantly working with Network Rail to restore services and keep you moving safely. We have information about major weather disruptions to travel in case of severe weather.
Thank you for your understanding and for travelling safely with us.
Useful information
Delay repay
If you’ve experienced a delay on your journey, you may be entitled to a refund.
Self-Serve
Our self-service options make it easy to get the assistance you need.
WhatsApp is a stress-free way to access live train information on the go.
Yes, snow does affect trains. During the winter months, even light snow can cause disruptions as it builds up on the tracks, and an insulated barrier is created. In extreme cases, heavy snow can cause rail travel to be halted completely, resulting in trains being delayed or cancelled.
Yes, trains can be cancelled or delayed due to rainfall. Heavy rain can lead to flooding on the tracks and landslides which, in extreme cases, can impact rail travel.
Trains can be cancelled during stormy weather due to high winds, flooding, or debris on the tracks. Conditions like this can cause damage to railway infrastructure and block lines, leading to delays and cancellations.
Yes, cold weather can affect trains due to ice building up, causing track points to freeze or become jammed. It is also possible for ice to affect couplings between carriages, which reduces flexibility and limits the number of trains available.
If adverse weather is forecasted, it’s best to plan ahead. Before travelling, check our Severe Weather Warning page to find the most up-to-date information on our services.
If your train has been cancelled, you can travel on other Northern trains (before or after your original time) to get you to your destination that day, or claim a full refund.
If your train has been delayed by 15 minutes or more, you may be entitled to claim money back through Delay Repay.
Hot weather can affect trains by causing rails to expand and overhead lines to sag. To avoid any potential damage, trains will sometimes need to slow down to avoid damage, which can lead to delays.
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