Rail passengers urged not to travel today

In a Tweet Virgin Trains has said: “Hourly services between Euston & Birmingham, Euston & Stafford and Preston & Scotland. All other services are currently suspended.”

The trains from Preston to Glasgow at 6.43pm and 7.15 have both been cancelled. However the 7.41pm Preston to Glagow train is currently running on time.

Train companies Northern, Merseyrail, Transpennine Express and Network Rail advised those with no choice to but travel to check beforehand on www.nationalrail.co.uk and to expect delays.

In another Tweet Virgin Trains advised passengers not to travel at all. It said: “Owing to #StormDoris - DO NOT TRAVEL TODAY - 23rd Feb. Tickets are valid for travel tomorrow before 2pm and anytime on Sat 25th Feb.”

Hundreds of high wind-related incidents were being tackled today by Network Rail’s orange army engineers - from trampolines, chairs and trees blown on tracks to bags blowing on to overhead power lines.

Services across Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside were the worst affected.

The three train companies and Network Rail said in a combined message to customers: “Please only consider traveling today if it is absolutely necessary or to delay journeys until this evening. Train stations will be crowded and queueing systems may become necessary.

“Disruption is expected to continue for the rest of the day, with rail replacement buses running on certain routes. We advise that you only travel if necessary.”

For further information on services please visit: www.tpexpress.co.uk/; www.northernrailway.co.uk; www.merseyrail.org