The route between Barrow and Carlisle has been closed as a result of localised flooding in a number of locations, and road conditions are making rail replacement transport extremely difficult.

Northern and Network Rail are working hard to return services to the line, but the route is likely to stay closed until Friday morning at the earliest.

Anyone who needs to make essential journeys should allow extra time for travel and check carefully before setting off as the situation evolves.

As the rain continues to fall and flood waters rise, flooding is becoming more widespread and colleagues across the rail industry are dealing with issues as they arise.

Northern will continue to work alongside Network Rail throughout the night to try to restore rail services as soon as possible.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “We have been working hard, in conjunction with colleagues from across the industry, to keep our services operating. And, where possible we have supported those services with replacement buses when the flooding meant running trains was impossible.

“Unfortunately, we had to make the difficult decision to advise our customers that they should not travel on the Cumbrian Coast Line until further notice, and that advice remains in place this evening.

“The weather in Cumbria and north Lancashire continues to deteriorate and I urge anyone who needs to make essential journeys over the next few days to allow extra time for travel and to check carefully before setting off.”

Phil James, Managing Director for Network Rail’s North West route, said: “Safety is our priority and we constantly monitor the weather to react to what mother nature throws at the railway.

“As the current forecast is for extreme heavy rain our specialist teams are on standby to immediately deal with any flooding.

“I’d urge everyone planning to travel in Cumbria over the coming days to please check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information.”

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