Storm Doris's strong winds and rain are causing train delays in Cumbria as icy conditions see temperatures plummet.

Wintry showers could also see around an inch of snow fall on higher ground in the county, according to a Met Office warning in force from 6pm tonight until 9am tomorrow.

Cumbria's army of gritters are out treating more than 25 major routes across the county in readiness for sub-zero road temperatures overnight.

Meanwhile high winds and a failure in electricity supply are affecting trains across the country, which is having a knock on affect on trains in Cumbria.

Trains across the Virgin Trains network are delayed by up to 200 minutes while others are cancelled.

Trains are now leaving London Euston but services will be severely disrupted for the rest of the day. A speed restriction because of high winds is in place between Preston and London Euston.

Passengers have experienced major delays at Preston due to part of the station roof collapsing. Storm Doris has caused damage to the roof above two platforms.

Passengers hoping to use Virgin Trains services are being advised to postpone their trip.

A statement from the company says: "High winds and rain are affecting services across the Virgin Trains network. Customers are advised to postpone their journey today if possible."
Tickets will be accepted on tomorrow's services, as long as journeys are started before 2pm.

It adds: "A heavily reduced service is now expected to run between London Euston and Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street. Trains are expected to be cancelled, delayed by up to 200 minutes or revised."

Virgin Trains and Transpennine Express are no longer being affected by flooding between Lockerbie and Carlisle.

Motorists are also being urged to drive with caution. Police have received reports of standing water on roads across the county, and many parts are experiencing torrential rain.

The latest storm to be named by the Met Office is expected to bring rain, gale force winds and even snow to higher grounds.

Various yellow warnings of snow, ice, wind and rain have been issued for Cumbria over the next three days.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said the force is liaising closely with the Met Office and is prepared should Storm Doris bring the forecast chaos.

He urged the public to drive according to the road conditions. The roads are expected to be icy tonight and tomorrow morning - a yellow warning of ice is in place from 6pm tonight until 9am on Thursday.

The Met Office is also warning the public to be prepared.

A spokeswoman said: "Storm Doris will bring persistent and heavy precipitation to the north of England.

"Some of this is expected to fall as snow on the hills, but there is a chance of some minor river and surface water flooding to low lying land and roads in parts of Cumbria."

She added: "The Environment Agency have staff monitoring the weather forecasts and current situation closely.

"We have also had staff out on the ground checking assets, removing any blockages from watercourses and clearing debris screens prior to tomorrow’s rainfall.

"This work will continue over the coming days ahead of potential further heavy rainfall on Saturday."

Flood alerts remain in place this morning for the Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwent Water Upper, River Eden and Rivers Caldew and Petteril.

The Highways Agency is warning drivers of high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes to avoid the A66 between the M6 and Scotch Corner, the entire route of the A69, and the M6 through Cumbria.

Drivers are also being warned to take care on icy roads tonight and tomorrow morning.

The following yellow warnings are in place:

Thursday: Snow until 6pm, wind until 8pm and ice from 8pm until 9am on Friday.

Friday: Yellow warning of ice valid until 9am for all of Cumbria.

Saturday: Yellow warning of rain for all 24 hours of Saturday for all Cumbria.

A Met Office spokesman said of Saturday: “A combination of mild, moist air and strong southwesterly winds will lead to rainfall being especially heavy and persistent over higher ground. 30-50mm is likely quite widely whilst as much as 100mm could fall on the most exposed sites.

"Some uncertainty remains in the duration of rainfall, as well as the amount of lying snow over higher ground which will melt during the event."