All services linking Britain to Europe were canceled on Saturday due to flooded railway tunnels, according to operator Eurostar. This announcement came as a blow to travelers planning to journey from London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam for the New Year, as Eurostar cited the temporary closure of part of the track near London as the reason for the cancellations in a social media post.
The railway tunnels near Ebbsfleet International station in Kent, southern England, were flooded, resulting in the closure of the track. Southwestern Railways, a UK train operator, announced the cancellation of its high-speed services to and from Londons St Pancras International station.
Eurostar services have been disrupted for the second time over Christmas, following a previous strike in December. The latest cancellations coincide with the UK preparing for severe weather, including heavy snow and rain.
The UK's Meteorological Office has issued yellow weather warnings for large parts of the country on Saturday.
According to the warning, southern England can expect a period of strong and gusty winds moving eastward across England and Wales, which may cause travel and service disruption. The Met Office also cautioned that there could be short-term power outages.
Strong gusts of wind reaching 45-50 mph are expected to sweep through southern England and Wales, particularly along the coast. Additionally, a spell of heavy rain and strong winds is forecasted to bring 20-30mm of rain to Wales. Meanwhile, Scotland is under a yellow warning for rain and snow, with meteorologists warning of potential disruption from a period of sleet and snow turning to rain on Saturday.
