Rail commuters are being warned about disruption to travel due to the wild weather forecast for tomorrow night.

The Met Office has predicted up to 70mph winds and up to 40mm of rain as it issued a severe weather warning for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

As a result Network Rail has put in place speed restrictions on part of the network from 8pm on Friday until the close of service.

MORE:

Michelle Ulyatt, customer relations manager for Southeastern, said: “With the severe weather forecast, safety is our absolute priority. Network Rail has advised us that because of the risk of trees on the lines, flooding and more landslips, trains will need to run at a reduced speed on Friday night.

“We’ll be making every effort to provide the best possible service, however it is likely that services will be disrupted. We’re advising customers to check before they travel and plan ahead to avoid possible delays.”

Fiona Taylor, route managing director for Kent at Network Rail, said: "Safety is always our priority and we apologise to passengers whose journeys will be disrupted as a result of this decision. After the wettest January in 100 years, the land around the railway is completely saturated and there is more heavy rain forecast, along with high winds.

"This means that there is a heightened risk of trees and other debris falling on the line and we have to be prepared for that."

High Speed services will be unaffected by the speed restrictions.

Network Rail will be out at first light checking the railway lines for any damage on Saturday morning.