Storm Ciara: London Victoria platforms closed 'until further notice' as storm damage blights UK rail lines

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Six platforms have been shut "until further notice" at London Victoria after Storm Ciara battered the station's roof.

National Rail issued a warning on Twitter saying: "Platforms 1-6 at London Victoria are currently closed until further notice due to damage to the roof.

"The only Southeastern services to operate to / from London Victoria will be those to / from Ashford on the Maidstone East line."

Major cancellations are blighting the rest of the line as workers rush to "make the roof safe", the station later confirmed.

The storm has sparked a swathe of issues across the entire rail and Underground network, with numerous services delayed, suspended or cancelled.

Passengers have been warned not to travel where possible amid the chaos.

The Piccadilly line reported severe delays across the entire line just before 5pm due to signal failures at Acton Town and Barons Court.

Meanwhile, TfL Rail is reporting severe delays between Paddington and Heathrow Airport and Reading, owing to "power supply problems" caused by trees on the track.

Dramatic footage posted by Network Rail shows a large branch blocking the lines in Swanley as passengers tried to make their way from Faversham to Victoria.

Southeastern Rail sent another train to rescue them, however, the live rail was so badly damaged that they had to abandon their plan.

The operator will now attempt a "side-to-side" evacuation, it said.

Further arboreal damage has been seen in Scotland, after a high-speed train struck a tree near Insch, Aberdeenshire.

Scot Rail tweeted a picture of the crushed train front, writing: "We're still working to fix the situation, but as you can see, the train has been damaged.

"Appreciate your patience if you're on board or on any of the services affected."

It comes after National Rail announced shortly after 1pm that Euston was closed and operating exit only amid the crowding.

The station has now reopened, however, Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway continue to operate a reduced service.

London Overground is now operating with a good service, but all customers are advised to check before they travel.

Southestern Rail posted an update just before 7pm, reiterating its "strong" advice: "Do not travel."

"If you do decide to travel despite this advice, be prepared for significant disruption and the risk you may not be able to complete your journey," it warned.

It added: "There is a risk of disruption tomorrow which is why we're asking that you confirm your journey details in AM."

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