People across Lancashire have been warned to stay at home and avoid travel where possible on Friday (18 February), as Storm Eunice is forecast to bring strong winds and rain to the county.

The Army has even been placed on standby to help those affected. 

Northern, a train company which operates in Lancashire and other areas in the north, has told passengers “do not travel” as “significant disruption” is expected to impact rail services meaning delays and cancellations are highly likely.

Commenting on the disruption to services, Chris Jackson, regional director for Northern, said: “Storm Eunice will cause widespread disruption across the network, affecting all operators in the region. 

“As such, we are advising passengers not to travel and to consider whether the journey is necessary.” 

Northern operates around 2,000 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England. 

Travel chaos is also expected on the roads and National Highways has issued a warning to all drivers in the UK – Lancashire included.

While Storm Eunice’s strongest winds will be in the south, there’s an amber warning for wind in the north and a yellow warning for snow.

Up to 20cm of snow could gather over high ground, with less significant accumulations in the lower ground. Brisk winds could create blizzard-like conditions and drifting of lying snow.

This will lead to dangerous driving conditions for vulnerable vehicles with exceptional sidewinds and wind-blown debris. Road users are advised to avoid travel unless it’s essential.

There’s a particularly high risk that high-sided vehicles and other vulnerable vehicles such as caravans and motorbikes could be blown over.

This comes soon after the impact of Storm Dudley, which saw strong winds disrupt travel in large sections of the north, including a blockage caused by a fallen tree on the A64 and the closure of the A66 to high-sided vehicles.

National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: “For those who do travel, we’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your trip and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down. 

“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space.

“In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.” 

Northern routes most likely to be affected by Storm Eunice include the M62, A628 and A66 along with high structures and elevated areas such as Thelwall Viaduct and Shap. Snowfall between 10cm and 20cm is predicted on the A66 and possibly the A696 and A68.

Strong winds in the afternoon will generate drifts and blizzard conditions, particularly on the A66 which will be closed from midnight tonight.

Jeremy Phillips, said: “Gritters are out treating our routes around the clock but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast. I

“If you need to travel, make sure you keep your distance and reduce your speed because, even in conditions that seem normal and the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh salt has not been worked into the carriageway. 

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel if they really need to travel.” 

National Highways is advising drivers to pay attention to messages on the overhead electronic signs and listen for radio updates.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the Army is on standby to help those affected by Storm Eunice.

During a visit to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, he said: “So for those who have already been affected by Storm Dudley, we are offering all the support that we can.

“My sympathies to those who are still without power – we are working with the power companies, the local authorities to get their juice restored as fast as possible.

“But of course, the Army is on standby.”

Further information can be found by visiting www.trafficengland.com, following us on Twitter or calling the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000. The latest weather forecast can be seen online at www.metoffice.gov.uk