TRAINS will be reduced to 50mph and services may be cancelled this Sunday as passengers in Cheshire and North Wales are being advised to only travel if absolutely necessary.

Network Rail and train operators between London, the West Midlands, North West, Wales and Cumbria are bracing themselves for the impact of Storm Ciara.

The updated warning comes as winds of up to 80mph are expected along the West Coast main line, Chiltern main line, and lines in the West Midlands, North West and Cumbria.

Emergency weather action teams are on standby across the country to respond to any disruption caused by the adverse weather.

But with the high risk that trees or other debris could be blown on to the railway, speed restrictions of 50mph are being put in place across the network on Sunday.

Those passengers who do have to travel are being advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk and with their train operators to see how their journeys could be affected.

Transport for Wales has already limited a number of services across its network, adding it was unable to provide replacement road transport for those routes affected.

Some train operators may allow tickets booked for Sunday to be used on Saturday or Monday and passengers are advised to check with their operators.

Jake Kelly, Network Rail’s strategic operations and passenger director for the North West & Central region, said: “It is rare for us to advise passengers to only travel if necessary, but with the latest forecasts showing how severe Storm Ciara will be, we must prioritise the safety of passengers and railway staff.

“Our teams have been planning for the likelihood that debris will be blown onto tracks and overhead electric wires. We have extra people on the ground at various locations across the region to deal with any disruption. I understand 50mph speed limits on Sunday may be frustrating for some people, but they are a necessary safety precaution when such wild weather is expected.

“I thank passengers in advance for their patience and urge people to check before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.

Business owners and householders neighbouring the railway are also being reminded to secure anything in their gardens and yards which could be blown onto the tracks."

It comes after a trampoline was blown onto the West Coast main line last month, bringing disruption to passengers.

Jake added: “In strong winds, trampolines become airborne very easily. Our advice is: Please tether these kinds of items. That way you won’t lose them and train passengers’ journeys won’t be disrupted.

“We’re appealing to people living and working by the railway to ensure other items, such as gazebos, marquees, empty builders’ sacks, tents and the like are fixed in place, so they don’t end up on the tracks during high winds.”

Passengers are urged to check www.nationalrail.co.uk over the weekend to check for the latest travel alerts ahead of Storm Ciara’s arrival.

Transport for Wales operations director Martyn Brennan and Chris Pearce, head of operations, Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “With Storm Ciara set to bring gale force winds of up to 85mph on Sunday, Transport for Wales and Network Rail continue to urge all customers to check their journeys prior to travel.

“We’re expecting very stormy conditions, high tides and winds that have the potential to uproot trees and damage infrastructure.

“The safety of our customers and colleagues is our absolute priority so there will be speed restrictions across our network, while some lines will not have any services at all.

“We are working closely together to minimise any disruption and will do all we can to keep our customers moving and informed.”