[H1]Update: Storm Eunice is set to batter Hitchin with winds that could peak at 90mph when it arrives on Friday - with rail bosses warning of serious disruption.[H1]

The approaching extreme weather event is set to pummel our area, with dangerously high winds set to cause widespread problems and longer than normal journeys expected.

As Hitchin Nub News has been reporting this week rare but powerful inland gusts are expected of between 70mph to 90mph - prompting Govia Thameslink Railway to advise customers to consider travelling today, Thursday (February 17) or Saturday (February 19) in a bid to avoid multiple hazards.

Angie Doll, interim chief operating officer at GTR, said: "Due to the significant impacts expected from Storm Eunice, passengers are advised not to travel on Southern, Great Northern and Thameslink routes on Friday, February 18.

"Extremely high winds are forecast meaning that 50mph speed restrictions will be in place across the entire network during the day. We expect there to be significant disruption to services and customers may need to change trains to complete their journeys.

"Customers that have already purchased tickets for tomorrow will be able to use them to travel today or Saturday instead and this ticket acceptance is in place with all train operators."

Strongest storm since 1990 expected

Very powerful winds are set to cause significant disruption on Friday across the network - with trains also required to travel much slower to ensure passenger safety.

Forecasters have warned the approaching storm - the second of two storms to hit this week after Storm Dudley - could be the strongest since 1990 and are urging people to stay indoors amid fears of flying debris and falling trees.

There will also be fewer trains on certain routes and journey times will be significantly increased - with some journeys taking up to twice as long to complete.

Don't travel on Friday say rail bosses

GTR are asking customers to rearrange their travel plans if they can. Customers who do need to travel on Friday should check the GTR website before setting off.

Govia Thameslink Railway has promised to do everything it can to offer alternative routes during times of unplanned disruption, however customers should keep in mind that other rail routes are likely to be also affected and road conditions may restrict its ability to respond to incidents with rail replacement buses and other road transport.

National Highways has also advised drivers to consider if journeys are absolutely necessary on Friday.

LNER also issue warning

In a statement on its website, London North Eastern Railway revealed it will be running a reduced service between King's Cross and York/Leeds, including services that stop at Stevenage, as it warned of severe weather conditions across the UK on Friday.

"Please do not travel on Friday," the inter-city company cautioned.

Stay up to date on Friday, February 17 with our live updates as Storm Eunice hits our town