Storm Boleo disrupts Merseyrail and national rail services in northwest England

All Merseyrail lines are experiencing disruptions as Storm Boleo brings heavy rain and strong winds to the north-west, prompting a yellow weather warning in force until 9 p.m. today. Fallen trees have blocked sections of the network, including the Chester and Ellesmere Port line at Bebington and the route between Birkenhead North and West Kirby at Hoylake. Replacement bus services are operating on the affected sections, with Stagecoach routes 20 and 21 accepting train tickets at no extra cost.

Further disruptions are reported on the New Brighton, Southport and Ormskirk lines, where services may be altered or cancelled due to the adverse weather. Signalling problems at Fazakerley have also halted trains on the Headbolt Lane line between Headbolt Lane and Rice Lane, while a bus service links Headbolt Lane with Walton. The Hunts Cross line remains suspended because of ongoing engineering works.

National rail operators are also affected. TransPennine Express has advised passengers not to travel between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly, citing a tree blockage on the line. The operator posted on X: "We are strongly advising customers not to travel between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly/Manchester Victoria in both directions. Rail replacement transport has been requested but is very limited due to severe weather. Please be advised that other operators may also be affected by this disruption." National Rail issued a similar warning about potential journey disruptions.

The Met Office warned of gusts of 55-65 mph across northern England, with higher speeds possible along the coast and in Scotland, and noted that the strong winds will continue overnight and into Sunday before easing.

Additional impacts include flight cancellations at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the closure of Park Lane in Liverpool city centre due to an unsafe building.