NORTHERN has urged people not to travel as severe weather and flooding caused chaos across West Yorkshire.

Flooding has closed the lines between Sheffield and Gainsborough, Sheffield and Lincoln and Hebden Bridge and Manchester Victoria - and roads are also closed meaning customers should not attempt to travel.

There remains potential for disruption to services in many areas of the Northern network with heavy rain forecast for West and South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire and Cheshire.

Northern customers are advised to allow extra time for travel and to check ahead.

Read more: Flood alert issued for River Spen and Batley Beck near Bradford

A spokesperson for Northern said: "As we move into the evening peak we are still experiencing disruption on several routes and, with heavy rain forecast for much of the evening, disruption is likely for the rest of the day.

"We are still advising customers on three routes - Sheffield to Lincoln, Sheffield to Gainsborough and Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge - not to travel as flooding is making rail and road travel extremely difficult.

"Colleagues at Network Rail are working hard to return the tracks to normal working, but at present we have no estimate as to when we will be able to operate services on the affected routes."

Customers are advised to listen for announcements and check information screens for updates.

Read more: Bradford flooding live updates as EIGHT flood warnings put in place

The spokesperson added: "Northern would like to thank customers for their understanding and patience as we continue to try to run as many services as possible."

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