Rail and bus travel disruption after Storm Babet causes flooding in Birmingham

Heavy rain has caused flooding in parts of the West Midlands, including Birmingham, affecting travel plans for those hoping to use the railways and bus services.

The Met Office had warned about severe weather yesterday (October 19) as Storm Babet was expected to lash parts of the country. A Red Warning has been in place in different parts of the country.

After hours of rain, Hall Green Station has become unusable since both lines are blocked due to flooding. Ticket acceptance has been put in place with National Express West Midlands. Commuters have been asked to allow extra time to travel and consider alternative travel options and plan ahead.

National Rail said: “Disruption to services in the Midlands is expected until the end of the day.”

There has been flooding between Birmingham Moor Street and Solihull means that trains have to run at a reduced speed on all lines. Trains running between these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 45 minutes. Disruption is expected until 08:45.

National Rail said: “Heavy rain flooding the railway between BirminghamInternational and Coventry trains have to run at a reduced speed on all lines. Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 11:00 .”

You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner. You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today.

Bus travel disruption in Birmingham

National Express West Midlands said on X, formerly Twitter there is a fallen tree on Yardley Road in Yardley. There is congestion on approach and 11A/C may be delayed.

Flooding was reported on Bristol Road South at Lickey Road, Rednal and there is congestion on approach. NXWM bus services 20, 20A, 27, 45, 47, 49, 61 and 63 may be delayed.

People have been asked to allow more time to travel.

Weather expected in Birmingham today (October 20)

The Met office said that winds will continue to strengthen as rain becomes heavy and persistent through the day. An amber rain warning in force in the north and east of the region, with flooding and travel disruption likely. There will be persistent rain continues overnight, bringing further flooding and travel disruption into the start of Saturday. Remaining windy at first, but it will gradually be easing through the early hours.