Southeastern trains cancelled or revised for Monday morning as Storm Bert hits Kent

Commuters are being warned to expect travel disruption on Monday as trains are cancelled or revised due to Storm Bert.

Southeastern has said a small number of its services will be changed during the morning peak as “poor rail conditions” are expected.

Forecasters have said the worst of the weather is set to hit the South East tonight, with strong winds bringing more leaves onto railway tracks.

This can cause issues for train services as mixed with rain and compressed under wheels, the leaves form a thin layer which can be as “slippery as black ice”.

Drivers will therefore need more time to stop and start the trains as the wheels have less grip.

This means that some services will need to be cancelled or revised to allow longer gaps between journeys to allow the trains to travel at slower speeds.

A spokesperson for Southeastern urged commuters to check its online journey planner, which has been updated, to see if their route is affected.

Network Rail has also waned of disruption as staff will need to inspect the tracks to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as fallen trees.

A spokesperson added: “If you are planning on travelling by train on Monday morning, please check before you travel.”

A yellow weather warning is in place across Kent today (November 24) as strong winds continue to hit the county.

The Met Office said there is a likelihood of dangerous coastal conditions and disruption as Storm Bert brings gusts of up to 60mph for a second day.

The windy weather has caused issues on the roads and on the railway, with fallen trees the main culprits.

Earlier this morning a train struck a fallen tree in the Hildenborough area and the line towards Sevenoaks was blocked.

This afternoon there was also a tree on the line at Sturry, which caused damage to a train and suspended Southeastern services between Canterbury West and Ramsgate.

Hundreds of homes have also been left without power around Canterbury, Swale and Medway because of the weather.

On Saturday, there was also disruption to journeys on the M2 and on the railways, also caused by trees brought down by the storm.

A train hit a tree which was blocking the railway at Kemsing yesterday afternoon, and earlier in the day a tree also partially blocked the railway at Thanet Parkway.

A number of events which had been due to take place in the county this weekend have also fallen victim to the weather, with organisers opting to cancel plans on health and safety grounds.