Train services across the Midlands are facing severe disruption this evening as Storm Goretti brings the threat of heavy snowfall to the region.
West Midlands Railway has announced significantly reduced services from 7pm on Thursday, 8 January 2026, urging passengers to 'only travel if necessary'. Commuters are being advised to complete their journeys by early evening where possible.
The Physics Behind the Disruption
Many passengers may wonder why wintry weather causes such widespread travel chaos. National Rail took to social media platform X to detail the specific challenges extreme cold poses to the railway network.
The core issue lies in the interaction between steel train wheels and steel rails. 'Just like driving on icy roads, acceleration and braking are much riskier,' the explanation stated. 'The difference is train wheels and rail are both made of steel. Wheels can slip because it’s harder to get the friction needed to accelerate or brake.'
This is far more than a minor inconvenience. There is a genuine risk that trains could miss their stops or overshoot red signals if they cannot brake effectively, potentially leading to a collision.
Ice, Snow, and Power Failures
The problems extend beyond just slippery tracks. Snow and ice can block points—the movable sections of track that allow trains to switch lines—preventing access to certain routes or platforms entirely.
Furthermore, ice can coat the electrified third rail and overhead power cables. This insulating layer stops trains from drawing the electrical power they need to operate, bringing them to a standstill.
Network Rail's Winter Battle
In response to these threats, Network Rail maintains a specialised fleet to combat winter weather. This includes snow ploughs, hot air blowers, steam jets, brushes, scrapers, and anti-freeze agents, all deployed to clear snow and ice as fast as possible.
'We do everything we can to prepare and keep services moving safely in winter,' a spokesperson said. 'When extreme weather causes delays, our teams work to get you moving again - as quickly and as safely as we can.'
The message to the public remains clear: with Storm Goretti intensifying, check all journey details before setting out and heed the advice to avoid non-essential travel this evening.
