Network Rail is warning that Storm Gareth is set to cause disruption to train passengers in Cumbria and beyond.

As the storm intensifies the organisation has been forced to implement temporary speed restrictions to ensure passenger safety.

Overnight debris is expected to be blown onto the tracks which pose a risk to staff. Network Rail says it has teams at the ready to clear lines where necessary.

As of 8pm trains north of Crewe will have their speed reduced to 50mph and this restriction will remain in place until 2pm tomorrow.

James Dean, chief operating officer for Network Rail’s London North Western route, said: “We’ve had a number of incidents already today involving trees, branches or other debris being blown onto the tracks, and some flooding on the line affecting services between Carlisle and Leeds.

“With more worse weather forecast overnight, we expect we’ll be removing more debris from tracks into tomorrow. This is likely to impact train passengers.

“We have extra teams on the ground at various locations across the country to deal with any disruption."