All rail services in Wales will be suspended on Friday, February 18, with Storm Eunice expected to bring winds of up to 100mph.

Train services will be suspended for the whole day, with disruption likely to continue into the weekend while more than 1,000 miles of track can be checked and cleared of debris and fallen trees.   

Rail replacement services will not be able to operate as the road network will also be disrupted due to the extreme weather, with a red weather warning issued across south Wales, including parts of Caerphilly County Borough.

Transport for Wales is allowing passengers with tickets for Friday to use them on Thursday or over the weekend, assuming services have resumed.

Great Western Rail is also offering this option, with passengers able to travel on a ticket for tomorrow up until February 21.

Avanti West Coast passengers with tickets for Friday can use their tickets today or on Saturday, February 19.  

The decision has been made by Network Rail and train operators.

Bill Kelly, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, has said that this decision has ‘“not been made lightly” but reiterated “safety is our top priority”.

Mr Kelly added: “We are sorry for the disruption caused by closing the railway and we will continue to work hard, along with our train operator colleagues, to get train services back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so. 

“Passengers who are planning to travel over the weekend are strongly advised to check before they travel as the unpredictable nature of storms such as Storm Eunice means the impact on services can change quickly.” 

Martyn Brennan, Operations Director at Transport for Wales, said: “For those who have already purchased a ticket to travel during Storm Eunice, they can choose to either travel today (Thursday, February 17), on Saturday 19 or on Sunday 20.  

“Alternatively, customers can claim a full refund in the normal way. I would like to thank customers for their understanding and support.”