Passengers are advised to check before they travel today (Friday 14 November) and throughout the weekend as Storm Claudia is expected to bring significant heavy rain to the south west.
Parts of Network Rail’s Western route are likely to see unusually high rainfall totals, particularly in Gloucestershire, around Newbury, and towards Oxford. These areas are now covered by a Met Office amber weather warning for heavy rain from noon until midnight on Friday.
Much of the remainder of the route is under a yellow weather warning, which lasts for all of Friday and until the early hours of Saturday morning. Passengers should take extra care when travelling and check both their outward and return journeys throughout the day.
Teams across the region are preparing for the incoming weather by checking that the drainage channels are clear and free flowing and monitoring river levels in partnership with the Environment Agency. Extra resources will be brought on to cover key areas should railway staff need to respond to any incidents.
Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western route director, said: “We’re doing everything we can to prepare the railway for the arrival of Storm Claudia and will have extra staff at key locations across the network, ready to respond if they’re required.
“I’d urge passengers to check before travelling on Friday and into the weekend, and to take extra care and allow plenty of time to complete their journeys.”
Richard Rowland, operations director for GWR, added: “With severe weather forecast, we encourage customers to check the latest travel information before setting out and allow extra time for your journeys.
“We will continue to run services, but some disruption is possible if conditions worsen throughout the day. For longer journeys, we recommend checking both outward and return travel times, as conditions may change.
“Our teams are monitoring the situation closely and working to keep passengers moving as safely as possible – This does however mean that it is possible some parts of the network may become unavailable for short periods, and road conditions may prevent us being able to operate replacement buses.”
There will be no GWR train services between Hereford and Great Malvern on Friday 14 November. Rail Replacement Services [position to be confirmed, currently RRS has been requested but would suspect the roads will probably flood as well]. Transport for Wales services are also affected in this area.
Other parts of the network are being closely monitored. Customers should check both their outward and return journeys throughout the day.
The line between Crediton and Barnstaple remains closed due to flooding and is not expected to reopen until Monday. Further rainfall in the area could mean the line remains closed for longer. Rail Replacement Service is in operation but this maybe affected by flooding.
Passengers should check with their train operator or on the National Rail website for up-to-date travel advice.
Image credit: Network Rail