Storm Jocelyn travel disruption in Birmingham: train cancellations, delays & latest travel advice

Storm Jocelyn arrived in the UK on Tuesday (January 23) with strong winds set to batter Birmingham and the West Midlands tonight and on Wednesday.

After saying goodbye to Storm Isha, the latest storm is currently making its way over from Ireland with winds hitting Birmingham first thing this morning. The weather warning remains in place until 3pm on Wednesday (January 24).

Wind gusts of up to 44mph are expected in Birmingham at around 8pm tonight, with the strong winds expected to carry on through the night and gusts of around 30mph expected at 7am tomorrow morning.

Travel disruption in Birmingham

Heavy rain and strong winds can cause delays on the railway, and some services have already been affected this evening.

The 7.01pm service from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly has been cancelled, and some Birmingham services have also been delayed this evening, including the 7.07pm New Street service to Manchester Piccadilly, and two Birmingham New Street journeys to Wolverhampton (6.15pm and 6.30pm). The New Street service to London Euston (6.52pm) has also been delayed. If you’re travelling this evening, you are advised to check National Rail for up to date journey infomation.

Storm Jocelyn travel advice

Martin Thomson, National Operations Manager for Resilience at Transport - advice for drivers: "The best advice is to slow down significantly, leave plenty of room behind the vehicle in front and be aware of unexpected obstructions en route like fallen trees and branches, particularly on rural roads."

Met Office advice for driving in storms, rain and strong wind

• Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’.
• If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears.
• If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.
• Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.
• Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake.
• Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.
• Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake.
• Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways.