NORTHERN has issued a warning to passengers ahead of travelling during Storm Babet.

Extreme weather action teams are on standby to tackle any problems caused by the stormy weather at key locations on the West Coast main line, north west and Cumbrian rail routes over the coming days.

This includes monitoring areas which could see flash flooding of tracks, or trees being blown onto the network causing disruption.

There were two instances of trees falling onto the overhead wires which power trains yesterday, Wednesday, October 18, in Prestbury in Cheshire and Broadbottom in Tameside.

With the storm set to intensify, people living by the railway are also being advised to tether down any loose items in their gardens like furniture, fencing and trampolines which can be blown onto tracks by gale-force winds.

Phil James, Network Rail’s north west route director, said: “While our extreme weather action teams have been preparing for this bad weather for several days, it’s really difficult to know exactly when and where it will strike, which is why we're asking people to check before they travel.

“The best way to do that is to check National Rail Enquiries before you set out on your journey.

"Also if you live by the railway please tie down any loose garden items - it’s amazing what can be carried by a strong gust of wind and end up on the tracks - causing unnecessary delays for passengers and freight.”