The first early-morning trains on all Merseyrail lines will run without passengers on Friday 10 March, due to the Meteorological Office issuing a warning of snow.

If snow were to accumulate on the powered third rail, this would prevent trains from making electrical contact, so to ensure the track is safe, the very first trains on each line will run without passengers.

Merseyrail hopes to be able to run a full service following this, but some disruption is still possible.

Passengers planning to travel tomorrow or over the weekend are strongly advised to check the Merseyrail website, app or social media channels before starting their journey.

The following changes will be in place from the start of service;

• Southport line: 05:37 (Southport – Hunts Cross) starts at Sandhills at 06:21. The 05:59 (Sandhills – Southport) is cancelled.
• Ormskirk line: 05:49 (Ormskirk – Liverpool Central) will start from Sandhills at 06:16.
• Kirkby line: 05:43 (Kirkby – Liverpool Central) will start from Sandhills at 05:55.
• Hunts Cross line: 06:01 (Hunts Cross – Southport) will start at Liverpool Central at 06:24.
• West Kirby line: 05:51 to Liverpool Central is cancelled.
• New Brighton line: 05.53 to Liverpool Central is cancelled.
• Chester line: 05:39 (Hooton – Liverpool Central) will start from Birkenhead Central at 05:59.
• The 05:55 (Chester – Liverpool Central) will start from Hooton at 06:09.
• Ellesmere Port line: 06:17 (Ellesmere Port to Liverpool Central) will start from Hooton at 06:26.

Merseyrail has put mitigation plans in place overnight and in the morning as it takes steps to protect commuter services.

Tracks on the 75-mile Merseyrail network will be treated overnight to protect them from snow build-up, while station staff will ensure that platforms and car parks are well gritted, so they are safe for passengers.

Greg Suligowski, Head of Customer Service at Merseyrail, said: “The Met Office weather warning for snow across the region means that we need to take immediate preventative measures to ensure that we can start services at the earliest time possible tomorrow.

“Our teams will be working closely with colleagues from Network Rail both overnight and in the morning to get passenger services moving. However, further disruption beyond the cancellations announced is possible.

“We apologise for the disruption this will cause and would recommend anyone planning to travel tomorrow or over the weekend checks our social media channels, app or website for the latest advice before starting their journey.”