Merseyrail has cancelled a number of rush hour trains over freezing conditions.
The operator said the first services will not run tomorrow (Tuesday) because of the cold temperatures forecast. Empty "route-proving" trains will run before passenger services to ensure the network is safe to operate.
The cancellation of trains form part of Merseyrail's cold weather mitigation plan, which should help trains run with minor disruption throughout the day.
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Lines affected include the Chester and Ellesmere Port lines. The trains being cancelled include the 5.39am from Hooton – Hamilton Square, 5.55am from Chester – Hooton, and the 6.17am from Ellesmere Port - Hooton. The 6.01am from Hamilton Square – Liverpool Central will run as scheduled.
The 6.09am and 6.26am trains from Hooton – Liverpool Central will also run as scheduled.
A spokesperson from Merseyrail said: "The first Merseyrail services in the south Wirral area will run without passengers due to freezing temperatures expected overnight. As temperatures drop ice could form on the powered third-rail, preventing trains from making electrical contact.
"To ensure the track is not frozen, three trains will run without passengers. Passengers should check the Merseyrail website, app or social media channels before they travel."
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) previously issued a Level 3 alert from today (Monday, March 6) until midnight on Thursday, March 9, due to a drop in temperature for the north of England. A Level 2 cold weather alert is in place for the remainder of England, for the same time period.
UKHSA guidance states: "This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services."
The Met Office predicts there could be some "wintry showers" in parts of Liverpool today, especially on higher ground. It adds there may be "the odd snow shower this evening", before skies begin to generally clear.
There's also a chance of more snow on Tuesday and Thursday, the Met Office said. BBC forecasters also predict "light snow" in Liverpool on Thursday.
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