Major Manchester rail disruptions due to Storm Goretti - all cancellations so far
The Met Office have issued yellow and amber weather warnings for snow and ice which cover Greater Manchester due to Storm Goretti.
The storm is expected to have an impact on rail services across Greater Manchester with many stations already announcing that they will be closed.
TransPennine Express (TPE) is advising customers that they cannot travel between Manchester and Sheffield from 6pm on Thursday 8 January until Saturday 10 January, as the railway line will be closed ahead of Storm Goretti, which is forecast to bring heavy snowfall across the North of England and Scotland.
Passengers cannot travel between Manchester and Sheffield during this closure.
Services between Liverpool Lime Street and Cleethorpes will operate only between the following stations, in both directions: Liverpool Lime Street – Manchester Oxford Road and Sheffield – Cleethorpes.
For all other routes across the TPE network, customers are strongly advised to check travel updates in advance and be prepared for disruption, including possible delays and cancellations.
TPE said that customers holding tickets for journeys on the affected route can defer their travel at no extra cost. Tickets may be used to travel earlier on Thursday 8 January, or on any service up to and including Sunday 11 January 2026.
They have also said that TPE tickets may also be used between Manchester and Sheffield on East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Northern services at no extra cost.
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director at TransPennine Express, said: “Our top priority is the safety of our customers and colleagues.
“In line with other operators, customers cannot travel between Manchester and Sheffield from 6pm on Thursday 8 January until Saturday 10 January due to severe weather warnings.
“We strongly urge anyone planning to travel on Thursday evening or Friday to reconsider their plans and follow the guidance provided.
“Customers travelling on other parts of our network should check the latest updates and be prepared for disruption, including possible cancellations.”
For Northern transport, the following alterations have been confirmed. Please be aware that across the network. trains that do run may be delayed, cancelled or altered at late notice due to the severe weather.
Starting from approximately 18:00 the following routes will be suspended:
- Between Guide Bridge and Glossop / Hadfield
- Between Hazel Grove and Buxton
- Between New Mills Central and Sheffield
The above routes will remain suspended until the end of the day on Friday 9 January and Northern are strongly advising people “not to travel.”
Northern said: “We advise people travelling on these routes to plan ahead and consider whether they will be able to make a return journey tomorrow before 18:00. No alternatives will be in place once the routes are closed. Tickets for after 18:00 will be accepted before the routes close. Additionally, refunds will be available for anyone who decides not to travel.”
You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.