Speed restrictions and a reduced timetable will be in place on the train services in Crow country over the next two days.

A spokesman for train operator First Capital Connect explained: “Due to the severe weather expected from Monday 23rd December until Tuesday 24 December, Network Rail are going to implement speed restrictions on all our routes and we will be running a reduced timetable on both days.

“As the storm will continue throughout the night, the lines have to be checked for damage on Tuesday morning before being released back to us to start running services again. There will be no trains on Tuesday in the hours of darkness and we’ll resume service as soon as we are able.”

The firm is advising passengers to check its website, www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk, or contact its Twitter team via @firstcc, before travelling.

The spokesman added: “We are advising customers to try and get home early on Monday and wherever possible not to travel on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Services are likely to remain disrupted until the close of service on Christmas eve.”