Train disruptions and cancellations: Storm Barney causes rush hour chaos
Overnight damage caused by Storm Barney and winds of up to 70mph has wrought havoc on trains across the West Midlands due to fallen trees damaging power cables.
As the clear up of the storm's aftermath continues there are also severe delays on the M6.
No trains are running between Birmingham and Lichfield this morning after a tree was blown onto the overhead wires in the Wylde Green area, causing significant damage. Engineers had to wait until the windspeed dropped and it was safe to remove the tree before repairs could start.
As a result there will be no trains between Birmingham and Lichfield until at least 10am and replacement buses will be used instead.
Cross Country trains are accepting London Midland passengers between Lichfield and Birmingham via Tamworth.
Trains between Birmingham and Wolverhampton are also disrupted, again due to a tree being blown onto the line at Coseley, again causing significant damage. The line is currently blocked and disruption is expected to carry on throughout the rest of the day.
London Midland services are diverting via Bescot Stadium and are not calling at intermediate stations. Tickets are being accepted on bus routes.
Virgin Trains and CrossCountry services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham are being diverted.
Disruption caused by damage to overhead wires between Stafford and Crewe has ended. Services are no longer affected by this.
A spokesman for Network Rail said: "I apologise to passengers for the delays to their journeys this morning as a result of the storm damage. Our teams worked throughout the night to deal with weather-related issues to help keep as many trains and passengers moving as possible today.
"The high winds caused damage across the rail network and we continue to work at several locations to bring the railway back into use.
"We're working closely with train operators to get people safely where they're going, but some journeys may take longer and passengers are advised to check before travelling to find out if their journey is affected."
A number of chainsaw gangs were on standby overnight to deal with trees, branches or other obstructions which were blown onto the railway and train operators have run special 'route proving' trains at slow speed before the start of service this morning to make sure lines are clear and safe for passengers.
Passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest information before travelling.
There are also severe delays on the M6 as the clear up operation continues. Delays of around 80 minutes remain on the M6 southbound between Junctions 7 and 6 following lanes closures. All lanes have now reopened, but delays remain.
There are delays of around 60 minutes on the M6 northbound at Junction 6 for Spaghetti Junction.
