RAIL passengers are advised to plan for possible travel disruption this weekend as a result of Storm Brian.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning with a spell of strong southwesterly winds expected to bring gusts of up to 50 mph to Surrey and Hampshire this Saturday.

A ’yellow’ warning has been issued for between 4am and 11.59pm on Saturday, October 21, with delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport likely.

Short term loss of power and other services is also possible, warn forecasters.

Network Rail, working with train operators, has activated its weather contingency plans for some routes and is advising passengers to plan for possible travel disruption.

Passengers should check before they travel by visiting nationalrail.co.uk.

Network Rail’s weather contingencies include the introduction of temporary speed restrictions to protect passengers and train crew from the effects of high winds, which can blow trees and other debris onto railway lines and overhead power lines.

With trains running at a reduced top speed (typically of around 50mph), drivers are better able to bring trains to a halt if anything is spotted ahead.

People living near the railway can also help by ensuring garden furniture, equipment and trampolines are secure and not at risk of being blown onto the tracks or overhead power lines.

Subject to change, temporary speed restrictions are planned to be in place this weekend on several routes, including:

*Between London and Brighton, plus Sussex coastal routes

*Kent coastal routes, including between Faversham, Ramsgate, Dover and Ashford

*Hampshire coastal routes, including from Petersfield to Portsmouth and Weymouth

*The majority of routes in Wales.

As a result, there will be changes to some services and passengers are advised to check before they travel. Other speed restrictions may be imposed as the storm develops.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We are keeping a close eye on Storm Brian and are doing everything we can to prepare for severe weather.

“We are deploying additional teams across the railway network to remove debris quickly and safely if we need to, and to keep passengers moving.”