Storm Goretti forces Peak District rail closure as amber snow warning hits East Midlands

Rail passengers across the East Midlands and Peak District are being told to travel early or make alternative plans as Storm Goretti approaches, with Network Rail and East Midlands Railway (EMR) announcing a series of line closures beginning on Thursday evening, according to Network Rail [1]. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for snow and rain that could affect train services across the region, Network Rail said [1]. In response, services on branch lines in the east of the region will begin closing down from 2000 on Thursday, with normal running not expected to resume until 1000 on Friday [1]. The most significant closure affects the Hope Valley line between Sheffield and Manchester, which will shut from 1800 on Thursday until the start of service on Saturday 10 January, according to both Network Rail and the BBC [1][2]. EMR said its usual services on the north Derbyshire line would not run again until Saturday [2]. No rail replacement services will operate during the closure "due to the severe weather conditions," an EMR spokesperson told the BBC [2]. Further closures announced by Network Rail include the railway between Nottingham and Sheffield from 2000 on Thursday, Derby and Crewe after 2000 on Thursday until after 1000 on Friday, Derby and Matlock over the same window, and Nottingham and Worksop also closing after 2000 on Thursday and reopening after 1000 on Friday [1]. Network Rail said it intends to keep the full timetable running on the Midland Main Line between London, Nottingham and Sheffield, since that route is controlled by central signalling and is more accessible to response teams by road, with extra staff and a snow plough deployed overnight [1]. The organisation cautioned, however, that delays and disruption were still possible on that line [1]. Explaining the decision to withdraw late evening and early morning services elsewhere, Network Rail said staff could struggle to reach signal boxes or respond to incidents in more remote parts of the network once roads became affected by the storm [1]. Paul Barnfield, Operations Director at EMR, said the move was intended "to reduce the risk of trains becoming stranded during severe weather," noting that heavy snow can affect signals and junctions and leave trains stuck in remote locations [1]. EMR has relaxed ticket restrictions, allowing customers with tickets for Thursday or Friday to travel earlier on Thursday or instead on Saturday 10 January, with refunds available from the original point of purchase if a journey cannot be completed [1]. EMR tickets will also be accepted on TransPennine Express and Northern services between Sheffield and Manchester until the Hope Valley line closes, the BBC reported [2]. According to BBC Weather, Storm Goretti — named by French forecasters as the first storm of the year — is expected to pass through or near the English Channel on Thursday night and may undergo "explosive cyclogenesis," a rapid pressure drop sometimes called a "weather bomb," generally associated with strong winds [2]. The BBC reported that the greatest likelihood of significant snow lies across Wales and the Midlands, with 5–10cm expected and potentially more than 20cm on higher ground [2]. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued amber cold health alerts for England, running until Sunday, the BBC said [2]. Network Rail regional director Jake Kelly urged passengers to seek the latest information from National Rail or their train operator before travelling [2].