'COLD weather' plans have been confirmed by Merseyrail ahead of an expected drop in temperatures overnight to help ensure services continue to operate safely.

Temperatures are expected to fall to -3°C overnight with the metal rails set to be even colder.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across the North West of England, meaning Merseyrail's preventative measures have been activated to deal with the potential for snow and ice on the tracks tomorrow morning.

The warning comes into place from 7pm and is in place until 10am tomorrow morning.

Experts have warned that possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers is possible as well as possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.

The first rail service of the day on each line will therefore run without customers, enabling the rail conditions to be checked before services can begin as normal.

However, if the predicted ice and snow fails to arrive, Merseyrail and Network Rail will work together to run as many first trains as possible.

Customers planning to travel in the morning should check for the latest travel advice before starting their journey by using the Merseyrail app, website or ‘X’ account .

Greg Suligowski, head of communications at Merseyrail, said: "We are sorry for the disruption this cold weather will cause to our customers intending to travel on the first services tomorrow morning.

"We do everything possible to avoid cancelling services, but given the weather warning, it’s important we check that subsequent services can operate safely".

Mr Suligowski added: "Merseyrail and Network Rail teams will be out during the night, working hard to reduce the impact the forecasted weather has on the network.

"Ultimately the goal will be to provide a normal timetable as soon as possible.

“I’d encourage anyone wanting to travel on our first services tomorrow to check for the latest updates before heading to the station”.