Trains in central and southern Scotland will stop running by 16.00 today, because winds of up to 130km/h are predicted. Trains in the Highlands and Far North are unlikely to be affected by Storm Dudley, but the winds will be worst in the central belt and as far north as Oban, according to the forecasters. ScotRail said 'winding down' its services was a 'necessary step', because it is possible that lines will be blocked by falling trees and other debris. Some cross-border services are expected to continue, but they will run at lower speeds. Network Rail will need to check for damage after the storm has passed before train services can start again tomorrow.

CrossCountry strikes set to go ahead

The RMT has called two more 24-hour strikes on CrossCountry trains, with the first set to disrupt services on Saturday. The dispute is over the safety critical responsibilities of conductors and the use of substitute staff. Unless there is a settlement in the meantime, a second strike is due to follow on 5 March.

Metrolink disruption continues

Trams in Manchester are being disrupted by an overhead line fault in the Trafford area, and Metrolink has suspended its services on the Altrincham and East Didsbury Lines. Trams are also not running on the Airport Line between Sale Water Park and Victoria. The problem began last night and is likely to continue today until repairs can be completed. Limited replacement buses are running.

14.50 UPDATE: Metrolink engineers have repaired the damage after working since last night. Power has now been restored and test trams have been sent through the area. Services are starting to return to the disrupted parts of the network including East Didsbury and Altrincham. An investigation is underway into the underlying cause of the fault. TfGM has apologised for the interruption to services.