Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston delays and cancellations latest as Storm Pia damage blocks rail lines

A major rail route between Manchester and London was blocked for more than two hours due to damage caused by Storm Pia. Issues with overhead wires between Milton Keynes Central and Watford Junction meant trains could not travel between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston for large parts of Thursday afternoon.

At 3pm, it was reported trains began running again but that "delays and alterations may continue". A Met Office weather warning was in place until 3pm with Manchester among the places to have been battered by strong winds.

Posting on X, Manchester Piccadilly broke the news to travellers just before 1pm, saying: "Apologies to passengers arriving to travel to London Euston today. Due to damage to overhead wires all lines are blocked. Engineers are on site assessing the damage. We are sorry for any disruption caused."

At 3pm there was some more encouraging news, the Piccadilly account posting: "Services are now running again towards London but some delays and alterations may continue. Thank you for your patience whilst the repairs were underway."

There have also been issues on the roads today, while some flights have had to be diverted away from Manchester Airport as pilots battle the conditions. The windy weather is easing into Thursday evening after the earlier disruption.