#UKStorm Latest: The majority of the rail network, including nearly all main lines, are now open and most passengers have now completed their journeys but it will still be difficult for some.

Rail travel to Gatwick Airport remains difficult as a result of further landslips between East Croydon and the airport. An alternative is available via East Grinstead but involving a bus to Three Bridges with train shuttle onwards.

Robin Gisby, managing director of network operations at Network Rail said: "Our stations are quieter now with most passengers safely on their way home. We thank people for their patience as our engineers have battled extreme conditions over the past 24hrs clearing scores of line blockages and over 200 trees to restore services and get people on the move again and home for Christmas.

"We will continue to repair the damage caused by the storm, damage that has been even more extensive than that suffered during the St Jude's storm. Over the next 48hrs we will be reviewing our improvement programme where over £110m worth of work has been planned to deliver tangible improvements to the network. More time maybe needed to complete the programme and we will release more details once we have looked more closely at the schedule."

A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group, which speaks on behalf of the rail industry, said: "We apologise to passengers whose journeys to join family and friends over the festive period have been affected by the bad weather yesterday and today.

"We will continue to keep passengers up to date with information and advice. Many operators have lifted ticket restrictions, and the industry's key focus will be to get people where they need to be for Christmas. Anyone planning to travel should still check the National Rail Enquiries website or speak to their train company for the latest information." @nationalrailenq

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