Lingering disruption is expected on the rail network between the North East and Scotland today following Thursday’s heavy rainfall.

The worst of the affects are expected on the Main East Coast line between Newcastle and Edinburgh which may continue through today because of flooding.

National Rail says that speed restrictions will be in place on a number of routes due to continuing poor weather.

A spokesman said on Friday: “Flooding between Newcastle and Edinburgh means all lines are currently blocked.

“No trains can currently run in either direction and will be either cancelled or revised.

“Major disruption is expected until the end of the day tomorrow (Saturday).”

He added: “Due to forecasted severe weather in Scotland, speed restrictions have been put in place on a number of routes.

“As a result, trains may be cancelled, delayed, revised or suspended. This is expected until at least 12pm on Saturday.”

Read more: Further disruption for rail services despite strikes being called off

Services run by ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, LNER, Lumo and TransPennine Express are expected to be affected.

The warning comes after customers were advised not to travel on several affected routes on Friday.

The spokesman said: “Disruption is expected to continue into Saturday morning until all lines have been checked to ensure it is safe to run trains.”

Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, and Doncaster are among the places facing travel disruptions to rail networks, Metro lines, roads and bus services.

Hundreds of people were left stranded at Newcastle station due to the cancelled services north to Scotland, with huge queues for replacement buses and passengers told they may have to wait up to five hours to board.

A section of the Metro rail network between South Hylton and Park Lane in Sunderland is expected to be out of action for at least a week while repairs are made to a Network Rail sub-station.

Some bus services will accept Metro tickets in the affected areas.

Read next:

               Rail strikes suspended after ‘promise of pay offer’

               LIVE: Trespassers cause huge delays at Durham station

               Rail services in North East impacted after train hits 'obstruction'

Take advantage of our Black Friday offer and save 25% on all new Premium Plus subscriptions with the code BLACKFRIDAY. Find out more.