Rail chaos warning for travellers as Storm Goretti hits

Bringing strong winds, heavy snowfall and rain, the storm is forecast to deliver a “multi-hazard” weather event throughout the evening and into Friday, January 9.

While the most extreme weather is expected further south and west, transport providers have warned that conditions across northern England could still cause significant disruption.

The Met Office has issued an Amber warning for snow covering much of Wales, the Midlands and southern parts of northern England, alongside a series of Yellow warnings for wind, snow and rain affecting large parts of England and Wales.

The northern edge of the storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to parts of northern England, which includes areas connected to Greater Manchester’s rail network.

What this means for Bolton commuters

Although Bolton itself is not under an Amber warning, rail services are likely to be affected, particularly routes linking Greater Manchester with Yorkshire, the East Midlands and Derbyshire.

Northern Rail has warned that heavy snow forecast across parts of its network on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 January could make travel challenging, with some areas having no trains running at all.

The operator says it is working with Network Rail to prepare, but has advised passengers to avoid travelling on several key routes, including:

Nottingham – Chesterfield
No trains from 8pm Thursday 8 January until 10am Friday 9 January

Huddersfield – Barnsley
No trains until after midday on Friday 9 January

Guide Bridge – Glossop / Hadfield
No trains from late afternoon Thursday 8 January until Saturday January 10
(Stations between Manchester Piccadilly and Guide Bridge will still be served by Rose Hill Marple trains)

Hazel Grove – Buxton
No trains from late afternoon Thursday 8 January until Saturday January 10
(Trains from Manchester Piccadilly will terminate at Hazel Grove)

New Mills Central – Sheffield
No trains from late afternoon Thursday 8 January until Saturday January 10

Northern has also confirmed that rail replacement buses will not be available due to the expected impact of the storm on road conditions.

Passengers travelling from Bolton station, particularly those connecting through Manchester Piccadilly, are advised to check their journeys in full before travelling and to consider delaying non-essential travel.

The most severe weather associated with Storm Goretti is expected in the far southwest of England, where gusts of up to 100mph could hit exposed coastal locations in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly under an Amber wind warning.

Very large waves are also forecast, creating dangerous coastal conditions.

Snowfall is expected to be most significant across Wales and parts of the Midlands, with accumulations of 10–15cm widely, and 20–30cm possible on higher ground, including parts of Wales and the Peak District.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said the storm would bring “significant impacts” from snow, wind and heavy rain, urging people in warning areas to stay up to date with forecasts and advice from local authorities.

It is recommended to check rail journeys before travelling, especially if connecting outside Greater Manchester.

Northern Rail says it will continue to share updates if conditions change.