HUNDREDS of train passengers have been stranded after "explosions" on overhead lines during a storm – with a "do not travel" alert issued.
Flooding unleashed travel chaos across northern England, with railways brought to a standstill.
Emergency services in Bradford scrambled to reports of a car in the canal.
A motor was also damaged by a falling tree in Tameside, Greater Manchester.
Trains are unable to pull in at two platforms in Manchester Piccadilly station after Storm Elin toppled a tree onto the wires, setting off the bangs.
Many passengers said they now face having to sleep at the station or splash out on a taxi or hotel room.
Read More UK News
BABY TRAGEDY
Murder probe launched after newborn baby found dead outside a house
CLAUS ON THE BOOZE
Drunken Santas & elves take to the streets as Xmas celebrations ramp up
Northern Rail said: "Due to damage to the overhead electric wires at Manchester Piccadilly some lines are blocked.
"Disruption is expected until further notice. Network Rail are on site now and are attempting to resolve the issue.
"All Northern services are now being impacted, by delays, cancellations and service alterations.
"Where possible customers are advised NOT TO TRAVEL due to multiple weather related incidents and replacement road transport being very limited."
Most read in The Sun
WIPED OUT
Danielle Harold in secret health scare that almost forced her to quit I’m A Celeb
FOUND GLOVE
Helen Flanagan’s ‘very hot’ man revealed as David Haye after stars go on date
DEADLY HIGHS
Lethal TikTok craze is killing kids as dad of tragic teen issues warning
XMAS TIME
Supermarket slashes price of Roses tubs to just £2 – & it’s the cheapest around
Manchester Piccadilly said: "A fallen tree has damaged the overhead wires and blocks the tracks between Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road.
"Engineers are on site assessing the damage and working to restore services as soon as possible.
"Services on platforms 13 and 14 are cancelled or revised. Please check before you travel.
"Severe disruption is expected to services operated by Trans-Pennine Express and Northern Rail."
Fuming passengers took to social media after the travel chaos left them stranded.
One said: "Currently stuck in Manchester thanks to a last minute cancelled train.
"Only replacement available was a two carriage train at 22:00 that you couldn’t get another person on if they grabbed onto the roof.
"So I’ll be sleeping in the station tonight."
Parts of northern England saw up to 30mm of rain today, with a yellow warning in force until 3am on Sunday.
Read more on The Sun
FINAL FIX
Sceptical Strictly fans accuse show of fix in favour of ‘BBC favourite’
KITCHEN SKILLS
Sue Radford's daughter Tillie shows off cooking skills as she makes dessert
The Environment Agency issued 33 flood warnings for England – meaning flooding is expected – including for the River Ouse at York.
Separate rain warnings also covered Northern Ireland and parts of southern Scotland until 9pm.
Source: Read Full Article