Storm Eunice is set to batter Hucknall with winds that could peak at 100mph when it arrives on Friday - with rail bosses warning of serious disruption.

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 Hucknall Nub News reported earlier this week rare but powerful inland gusts are expected of between 70mph to 90mph - prompting East Midlands Railway to advise customers to consider travelling today, Thursday (February 17) or Saturday (February 19) in a bid to avoid multiple hazards.

Matt Stacey, head of stations at East Midlands Railway told Nub news: "We strongly advise customers who need to make a journey with us in the next few days to choose Thursday or Saturday.

"The strength of Storm Eunice will mean that on Friday there is likely to be widespread disruption to services across the country's rail network.

"However, we understand that not everyone can rearrange their travel plans and customers may still need to travel by rail. If this is the case, we suggest customers leave themselves plenty of extra time to reach their destination."

[H3]Strongest storm since 1990 expected[H3]

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.

[H3]Don't travel on Friday say rail bosses[H3]

EMR are asking customers to rearrange their travel plans, highlighting that travellers can use their original February ticket on their services for Thursday or Saturday instead.

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route director for Network Rail, added: "Running a railway through extreme weather is always a challenge.

"We have extra workers out on the network at key locations, ready to react quickly to Storm Eunice and keep passengers moving wherever it's safe to do so.

"As the weather worsens, some journeys may take longer, so I'd advise passengers to check before travelling and allow plenty of time."

Customers who do need to travel on Friday should check EMR's website before setting off.

EMR 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.