Network Rail is urging passengers to check before travelling this weekend as Storm Amy is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain.

People in the North West living near the railway are urged to secure loose items, like furniture and trampolines.

Strong winds and heavy rain are expected this evening into Sunday morning, and a yellow warning is in place for Lancashire and Cumbria.

Some speed restrictions are in place, and Avanti West Coast are running an amended timetable north of Preston.

Passengers should check with their train operator or on the National Rail website for up-to-date travel advice during the weekend.

Darren Miller, Network Rail’s North West infrastructure director, said: “We are doing everything we can to prepare the railway for the impacts from Storm Amy. I’d urge passengers to check before they travel as there may be some disruption to services during the extreme weather.

“If you live near the railway, please secure any loose objects in your gardens such as trampolines and furniture. It is a serious safety risk if they blow onto the tracks and creates more work for our teams who will be on hand around the clock to keep passengers safely on the move.”

Chris Liptrot, operations director at Avanti West Coast, said: “Due to the strong winds and heavy rain forecast with Storm Amy, we’ll be operating an amended timetable north of Preston from 5pm on Friday 3 October and all-day Saturday 4 October with longer journey times.

“We strongly recommend customers booked to travel to or from destinations north of Preston on Friday 3 October make their journeys earlier in the day using their existing ticket which is valid any time. Alternatively, customers can claim a full refund. We’re monitoring the weather closely and advise customers to check before they travel.”