Train services in Scotland will remain suspended on Thursday morning so that safety checks can be carried out on the lines, ScotRail said.

In a statement posted on Wednesday evening, ScotRail said: “Storm Dudley is now well under way. It still has several hours to run, but already we have reports of trees on the line, damage to overhead wires, and signalling faults.

“Teams will be working through the night to get services back up and running as quickly as possible, but disruption is expected to continue into the morning.”

An amber warning for strong winds, with the possibility of a rare red warning for some areas, was also issued for Friday. 

Cornwall is predicted to be particularly hard hit, with 100mph winds, while other isolated coastal areas could experience gusts well in excess of that, forecasters said.

Rail operator LNER has asked passengers rearrange travel on Friday because of the conditions.

Katharine Smith, the flood duty manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, south-west and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, through the early hours of Friday morning and into the early afternoon.

“This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides.”

She said agency teams were making preparations, erecting barriers and clearing screens where flood debris can build up.