NEW YEAR'S GRIEVE

Eurostar cancellations: Passengers in tears as trains are cancelled after floods with tornado warning for New Year’s Eve

Cause of the tunnel flooding has been revealed

EUROSTAR passengers have been left huddled on the floor in tears after their trains were axed when a tunnel flooded - as wild weather sparked travel chaos.

Seven yellow weather warnings - including for rain, ice and 75mph galeforce winds - have wreaked havoc while a tornado alert has been issued amid the travel chaos.

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New Year’s travel disruption has seen crowded scenes at St Pancras International station in central LondonCredit: George Cracknell Wright
Fed-up passengers waiting on the concourse at the entrance to Eurostar in St Pancras International stationCredit: PA
Eurostar trains and Southeastern services have been cancelled today due to floodingCredit: Southeastern Railway
The waterlogged tunnel in the Ebbsfleet International area has sparked travel chaosCredit: Southeastern Railway

But there is hope at the end of the tunnel as Eurostar announced that services will resume on Sunday.

The operator said the "unprecedented" flooding has been brought under control meaning "at least one tunnel can now be used".

However, Eurostar warned customers to expect further delays and busy stations with only limited services restarting tomorrow.

Eurostar earlier scrapped all services to and from St Pancras today following disruption in tunnels near Ebbsfleet International.

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Southeastern Railway further dashed travellers' plans after announcing no trains will run between Ebbsfleet and London St Pancras International.

Meanwhile, speed restrictions were issued on the West Highland Lines from 10am until 9am tomorrow due to the forecast, Network Rail Scotland said.

In their most recent statement, Eurostar said: "Flooding in the Thames tunnels has been brought under control by Network Rail High Speed meaning at least one tunnel can now be used and a full service can operate.

"There will be some speed restrictions in place in the morning which may lead to delays and stations are expected to be very busy.

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"Unfortunately, this unprecedented event has caused major disruption to customers today.

"Customers are encouraged to visit the Eurostar website for more information on their journey and compensation entitlement."

A spokesperson for HS1, which runs the route between London and the Channel Tunnel, said: "Flooding in the Thames Tunnel is being resolved by Network Rail High Speed and the HS1 line will be operational in the morning.

"We understand how frustrating this has been for passengers and apologise for the inconvenience caused at such an important time of the year."

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