Huge downpours cause transport disruption

Torrential rain has caused disruption on the transport network in parts of England.

Several rail lines are blocked due to flooding, leaving thousands of commuters facing a struggle to get to work on Friday morning.

Train operators are warning passengers not to travel on a number of routes through Yorkshire – particularly in the Sheffield area – and between Hebden Bridge and Rochdale in the North West.

Network Rail, which owns Britain’s rail infrastructure, said track inspections will take place “where possible”.

Rail firm Northern warned disruption could continue into the weekend despite the weather improving in many areas.

A spokesman said: “We are still advising customers on several routes not to travel as flooding is making rail and road travel extremely difficult.

“Colleagues at Network Rail are inspecting the tracks and working hard to return them to normal, but at present we have no estimate as to when we will be able to operate services on the affected routes.”

Other train companies hit by the weather include CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, LNER, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales and Virgin Trains.

The downpours also caused mayhem on roads as several routes were blocked and some vehicles were abandoned in floodwater.

Sheffield City Council said 14 of its roads were closed due to flooding as of 7am, and urged drivers to take extra care.