Travel disruptions across Lancashire as flooding hits

Heavy rain is continuing to affect Lancashire and the North West as Storm Christoph batters the region.

On the roads, Lancashire Police say they've dealt with a number of incidents on the M6 and Southport Road in Chorley is blocked both ways.

There are flood alerts in effect on the River Ribble and an amber weather warning, which means danger to life, for today and tomorrow.

Lots of trains have been affected, including the Northern service between Manchester and Preston which has been suspended.

A spokesperson for Northern said: “The adverse weather is having a significant impact on our ability to operate services across many parts of the north west.

“We are working closely with colleagues at Network Rail to get our services up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, we’re asking customers who need to make essential journeys to check carefully before travelling.

The current Northern services affected are:

• Hazel Grove – Buxton

• Maryport - Carlisle

• Skipton - Lancaster

• Manchester Victoria - Walsden

• Manchester - Newton le Willows

• Rotherham Central - all locations

• Wigan NW - St Helens Central

There is also disruption to services on the following routes:

• Sowerby Bridge – Rochdale

• Wigan Wallgate – Southport

• Salford Crescent – Preston

• Bradford Interchange - Halifax

The spokesperson added: “The difficult conditions are being experienced across a large part of our network and customers planning to travel today should be aware that any journeys could be affected and they should allow extra time for travel.”

For up-to-the-minute information about rail services please visit National Rail Enquiries or @Northernassist on Twitter.

• flooding
• Lancashire