Christmas getaway is hit by severe weather and walkout by French Eurotunnel staff

Passengers were suffering fresh disruption in the Christmas getaway yesterday after severe weather left rail lines blocked around Britain, while a strike by French Eurotunnel workers halted Eurostar trains and cross-Channel shuttle services.

- Gwyn Topham

Strong winds from Storm Pia, including gusts of up to 80mph in northern Britain, have blown down trees on tracks around the country.

Damaged power lines on the main west coast route out of London meant most intercity trains from London Euston were severely delayed or cancelled yesterday afternoon.

Several blockages were reported on lines in the West Midlands, while fallen trees affected services from Northern, Southeastern and South Western Railway.

Speed restrictions were in place yesterday morning for much of Scotland and northern England after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind, indicating disruption. TransPennine Express had urged passengers not to travel in and out of Edinburgh, and LNER services north to Inverness were suspended.

At least one motorist was injured when a tree fell on to his car on the A515 in Clifton, Derbyshire, closing the road.