Storm Claudia: Rotherham Central Closed Until Midday Saturday as Flood Risk Rises

Rotherham Central closed as Storm Claudia brings flood risk

Rotherham Central station has been closed as a precaution until midday on Saturday after Network Rail took steps to protect signalling and telecommunications equipment from potential flooding following heavy rain from Storm Claudia.

An amber weather warning for rain covers parts of Yorkshire and other areas of the UK, with some locations forecast to receive up to 3in (80mm) of rain. Forecasts indicate the River Don could burst its banks, risking damage to critical rail infrastructure.

Network Rail said the closure means no Northern or Supertram services will call at Rotherham Central until midday on Saturday. Several other services across the region have been disrupted, including altered or reduced timetables for routes serving Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, Scarborough and York.

Mark Hayles, Network Rail route operations manager, said: "We've taken proactive steps during severe weather in the past to protect critical equipment from water damage, avoiding significant passenger disruption and associated costs. We apologise to passengers affected by the route closure. Forecasts indicate flooding in the Rotherham area, and this is the most effective way to safeguard the railway and restore services as quickly as possible once conditions improve."

Rotherham Council said it had implemented a range of standard flood-prevention measures. Pumps were deployed to Catcliffe to assist drainage, the Canal Barrier was closed as a precaution, and barriers were placed at Forge Island. Council teams have been filling and distributing sandbags in key locations.

A council spokesperson added: "We will continue to keep all measures under review throughout the night and over the weekend."

Operational updates from train operators include:

• National Rail: Some Northern services are operating to a reduced timetable, including routes between Leeds, Skipton and Ilkley, and services on the Leeds–Ilkley–Bradford Forster Square corridor.
• TransPennine Express: Several routes affected; the Scarborough–Manchester Victoria service is currently running only between Scarborough and York.
• East Midlands Trains: No services between Sheffield and Liverpool Lime Street.

Passengers are advised to check with their operator before travelling, expect possible delays or cancellations, and allow extra time for journeys while emergency and rail teams monitor conditions following Storm Claudia's heavy rainfall.