Some rail passengers have been told not to travel as Storm Pia batters Britain with 80mph winds.

TransPennine Express (TPE) has “strongly” urged travellers to avoid services to and from Edinburgh before 3pm on Thursday as part of its “do not travel” advice, with connections from Manchester axed.

The Christmas getaway, which is only just beginning, threatens to be plunged into chaos with seven rail operators warning of lengthy delays or cancellations because of the weather, including between London and Scotland.

A yellow weather warning for wind came into effect at midnight and will last until 9pm, with forecasted gusts of 70mph to 80mph in northern Scotland - 65mph to 70mph on high ground - and 45mph to 55mph elsewhere in the country. 

The warning also covers Belfast, Newcastle upon Tyne and Manchester.

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