saint

We've just had a few flickers of the lights here in Herts.

Transport companies are certainly keeping a close eye on this and are no doubt getting briefings - South Western Railway, who have suffered quite a bit with storms this winter bringing down trees on the lines they run on, are already warning of possible disruption Sunday into Monday.

Some trees starting to come down now around here in Herts.

Lightning still visible away to our west.

Third storm of the day has arrived.

Second storm of the day here, and it starts with a massive flash of lighting and a huge bit of shotgun thunder.

And just as the storm arrived, we had a massive power cut!

Quite a bit of thunder coming from cells just to the south.

Some very big convective drops here. They sound like hail crashing against the shed and patio.

Heavy rain and regular flashes and rumbles here in Herts.

Quite a few very bright purple flashes observed from the cell over north west London as it edges closer.

Insane storm here at the moment, one of the most intense I’ve seen. Constant lightning at the moment.

One of the most intense storms I’ve ever experienced here!

A brief period of welcome heavy rain here, but still feeling muggy. Strong smell of smoke hanging in the air from a large ongoing field fire a couple of miles away.

A tree has also fallen onto the line and caught fire further south towards London. West Coast Main Line severely disrupted.

London Fire Brigade declare a major incident due to the number of fires that they are dealing with. Some shocking videos of wildfires on social media.

I think it is worth noting that the red warning isn’t just for individuals. It helps inform planning and preparation for public and private sectors, both of which will be putting things in place to try and prevent as many issues as possible. For example, train companies and Network Rail are now warning of disruption on Monday and Tuesday with speed restrictions in place and problems expected. Not ideal of course, but the red warning. combined with this messaging, will hopefully prevent some people travelling - if a train is stranded without air con because the overhead power has failed due to it sagging in the heat, you would rather it be 40% filled than 80%. It’s also worth noting that the NHS is creaking at the seams in many areas at the moment, particularly in emergency response. If there are thousands of extra calls because people don’t take care in the sun and get sunstroke (let alone the risks to the vulnerable), it’s possible many will go hours without treatment. Plus don’t forget that various issues the heat cause with power and utility supplies. A red warning may seem silly to some, but it is important.

A spell of very heavy snow at the moment. Pleasant surprise for the end of March!

South Central Ambulance Service have also declared a major incident due to a combination of call volume and issues reaching patients due to blocked roads.

I hope you're keeping NR well briefed today Nick!

Tree on the line was at St Albans, and ended up on fire! The line between St Pancras and Bedford is closed until the morning. we had a spell of strong gusts about 5:30/6 that caused the above, but can’t have been more than 50mph. Really does not bode well at all for Friday.

LNER, who run trains out of Kings Cross, have already advised customers not to travel due to expected disruption on Friday. Trains often suffer during high wind events due to trees next to the lines and damage to the electric equipment.

Hahaha! The poor old ECML tries its best... Do hope that NR/Operating Companies don't take a gamble and try and run services Friday morning, as I can just see trains getting stranded across the network.

Yeah, some routes more vulnerable to extreme weather (ECML for example) may be closed well into the weekend

I am meant to be heading up to Yorkshire via train on the ECML on Friday afternoon... I've already accepted it'll be cancelled! Timing of Friday's storm is tricky for NR etc - could be a whole day without many services at all.