Storm Éowyn is likely to cause severe disruption to rail services across northern England, a train operator has warned. Wherever possible, Northern Rail has advised passengers not to travel on Friday,

Storm Éowyn is gathering strength, supercharged by the Arctic blast that moved through the US, and has the potential to trigger power outages and travel disruptions across the UK later this week.

A major change in the UK’s weather will start on Thursday, the Met Office said, as heavy rain and strong gusts hit the country.