Preston station has been closed due to safety concerns regarding the station’s roof.

Engineers are inspecting the roof panels that have come loose in the strong winds, reported to be up to 80mph.

Trains can pass through Preston but will not stop at the station for the rest of the day.

Due to Storm Eunice, the message continues to be Do Not Travel, with much of the network being battered by the major storm.

Phil James, Network Rail‘s North West route director, said: “Hundreds of engineers are out in horrendous conditions trying to maintain and protect the railway from the onslaught of this major storm. Because of Storm Eunice’s severity we’ve had no choice but to close Preston so we can thoroughly inspect the roof. I’d like to thank people for following our advice by not travelling today while we work flat out to repair the damage from one of the worst storms in 30 years.”

Shirley Ross, station manager at Preston Station, said: “Due to multiple weather-related incidents around the network including Preston Station as a result of Storm Eunice, all Avanti West Coast services are now cancelled for the rest of Friday 18 February. Please do not come to the station. Tickets for Friday 18 February will be valid for Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21 February. Anyone who doesn’t want to travel can get a full refund.”