Blimey. Hot enough for a BBQ! 

The mercury may have reached the balmy heights of 26 degrees but track temperatures reached 42 degrees. 

The mercury reached the balmy heights of 26 degrees at the end of April and we had cancellations and speed restrictions due to what was described at the time as "severe weather" (much to the memorable hilarity of tourists at Paddington from countries who get genuinely severe weather!) , so it's probably safe to assume similar/worse once it rises a few more degrees.

First heatwave of 2025 likely as temperatures to surge above 30^c

Temperatures are set to soar to more than 30C (86F) this week as an area of high pressure builds across the UK.

It will become increasingly hot later this week and by the weekend some places could easily beat the highest temperature recorded so far this year - 29.4C (85F) in Suffolk on 13 June.

For a heatwave to be declared by the Met Office we need to reach a threshold temperature for at least three consecutive days, and that varies from 25C across the north and west of the UK, to 28C in parts of eastern England. Whilst we have seen temperatures exceeding these figures in recent weeks, the warm spells have not been long enough to qualify as a heatwave - but that could be about to change.



The warm weather will be concentrated across East Anglia and south-east England on Monday and Tuesday before spreading across the Midlands, east Wales and north England by the weekend.

On Monday we are likely to reach 26C, by Wednesday the heat becomes much more widespread with highs of 28C, and by the weekend the hot spots surge somewhere between 30 and 33C. Meanwhile, it will become warmer in Northern Ireland and Scotland later in the week, but it will be more comfortable here with temperatures mostly in the low 20s.



By Sunday things become more uncertain and we may see fresher air move in from the Atlantic with a risk of thundery downpours. However, some forecast models keep the heat for longer, especially in East Anglia and south-east England with temperatures continuing to stay above the 30C mark.

Heatwaves are becoming more common due to climate change, with a greater chance of seeing extreme heat.

They can cause problems for our infrastructure, such as trains running at reduced speeds due to the risk of train tracks expanding and buckling in the heat.

We also see more heat-related health problems which can lead to an increase in excess deaths in those with underlying health conditions.

Heat-health alerts are issued to warn health providers of the risk of a heat causing adverse impacts to the health and wellbeing of the population.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for thunderstorms, which could lead to flooding in parts of England and Wales.

The warning covers areas including Wales, the Midlands, west of England, London and the South East from 12:00 BST to 22:00 on Monday, the Met Office said.

Up to 50mm (1.9in) of rain could fall within a few hours, with a possibility of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

England has had its driest start to spring for 69 years, the Environment Agency said earlier this month.

Showers are forecast to drift in from the south in the early hours of Monday, the Met Office said.

Temperatures across the board are due to remain mild in the high teens or early 20s.

The Met Office said there was the "potential for minor localised issues" and flash flooding.

Sunshine and settled conditions will return across the UK for the rest of the week, with temperatures forecast to reach 23C in some parts.

Last week, the Environment Agency warned that water companies that more must be done to safeguard water supplies.

Many places have gone without any rain for weeks, including Preston in Lancashire and parts of Fife which have been dry since mid-April.

According to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's three month Drought Index, large parts of the UK are in the 'extremely dry' category.

I put the shorts on for the first time this year.

The UK saw its warmest day of the year on Tuesday with a peak of 24.9C (76.8F) recorded - and forecasters predicting that later this week could see the hottest start to May on record.

The highest temperatures were seen in Ross-on-Wye in the West Midlands and Trawscoed in the west of Wales - surpassing 2025's previous high of 24.5C recorded at St James's Park in London on Monday.

Forecasters say the current warm spell could see temperatures peak at 29C on the first day of the new month on Thursday, as many voters head to the polls for local elections in England.

High UV and pollen levels also likely. The weather will gradually cool over the bank holiday weekend, although it will stay dry and sunny for most.

Peak temperatures in Scotland on Tuesday varied between 17C in the Northern Isles and 22.4C at Aboyne, while 22.2C was recorded at Derrylin in Northern Ireland.

They will widely be in the low to mid-twenties on Wednesday, with the hottest weather likely in the London area at 27C.

The last time this temperature was recorded in April was in 2018 in Cambridge.

(Article continues)

The easterly wind was very strong in the Exeter area yesterday so the sea would have been surging directly towards the railway line. As a result of this I suspect NR would have implemented Single Line Working (SLW) between DWW and TGM (West) and would have cancelled these station calls to avoid making the resulting capacity issue even worse.

07:00 Gloucester to Plymouth due 10:31

07:00 Gloucester to Plymouth due 10:31 will no longer call at Dawlish and Teignmouth.
This is due to forecasted severe weather.

A remarkable recovery - it's fortunate that roofers have Sundays in the working week! 

Looks like someone (THANK YOU) has been working very hard fixing / checking overnight and both Chippenham and Westbury are re-opened this morning ... breaking news ...

We are going to agree to disagree about the reasonableness of having three old stations all fail in the exceptional wind.   And rather like boxing day trains, we will generate a lot of heat in discussion but in the end it's just an occasional incident ... in my view what is much more important is the safety of people at these time and secondly the ongoing "lack of crew" and "your line needed for engineering works [elsewhere]" that we're back to at my home station tomorrow!

Fair question, Timmer.

How about a fleet of coaches being provided, as road replacement transport?

After all, they've had 24 hours to get it organised.  

VERY limited road transport is operating between Bristol Temple Meads and Salisbury, via stations on route.

Fair question, Timmer.

How about a fleet of coaches being provided, as road replacement transport?

After all, they've had 24 hours to get it organised.  

The question is where does this leave commuters from the likes of Warminster, Frome, Trowbridge, Melksham and Bradford on Avon to Swindon, Bath and Bristol?

Update from GWR at 19.35

  Westbury station has been closed as a safety precaution, and trains are unable to call there. The ticket office is closed.

This will not be fixed until Tuesday 10th December at the earliest, therefore no trains will operate to or from Westbury on Monday 9th December 2024.

Storm Darragh continues to have a considerable impact on services across our network. Trains are unable to run on several parts of the network and currently services remain suspended west of Cardiff Central, between Oxford and Hereford, on the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines, and on all branch lines in Cornwall.
 
Network Rail teams are working as we speak to get lines safely reopened as quickly as possible, including removing fallen trees and other debris, however some disruption is expected tomorrow morning (Mon 9 Dec), particularly between Carmarthen and Swansea, and on our Cornish branch lines.
 
Storm damage has also closed Westbury and Chippenham stations and this will remain the case tomorrow (Mon 9 Dec). Trains are operating between Cardiff Central and Bristol Temple Meads, and between Salisbury and Portsmouth Harbour. Limited connecting rail replacement bus services are in operation, including between Bath Spa/Swindon and Chippenham. The Night Riviera Sleeper service has been cancelled this evening, Sun 8 Dec.
 
The very latest travel information including on refunds and ticket acceptance is available at www.gwr.com/check or also from our social media sites at www.x.com/gwrhelp and www.x.com/networkrailwest. 
 
We apologise for the ongoing disruption, and as ever if there’s anything we can do to help please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
 
Best wishes
 
Tom & Tomos

Cancellations to services at Chippenham

Due to severe weather at Chippenham the line is blocked.

Train services running through this station will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Customer Advice

Following damage from Storm Darragh, Chippenham Station has been declared not safe to operate. Therefore the station is closed, and trains are not calling there.

Customers requiring Chippenham are advised to travel to Swindon, where road transport will be available. If travelling from Bristol Temple Meads or Bath Spa, please board a London Paddington bound service and change at Swindon. For customers travelling from London Paddington or Reading, please alight at Swindon for transport. Please also be advised that due to availability, there may be a waiting time of up to 30 minutes at Swindon for road transport.

For customers arriving at Chippenham, LIMITED road transport is in operation for customers making local journeys towards Bath Spa, Swindon, Melksham, and Westbury.

Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, tweet us @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.

If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:08/12/2024 08:31

lusted
Too old and too cold!

RTT showing service Bristol to Weymouth via Westbury, starting with a VST lusted departure at 09.29. It was activated at 03.55

Then there is the 17.53 and 20.11 from Weymouth and the 17.48 and 2049 from Bristol, all WTT services

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:36498/2024-12-08/detailed

I think your pal might have been mistaken - the Plymouth v Oxford game was called off yesterday lunchtime. I spent some time in Chieveley services with them as their coach was in the process of returning to Oxford.

If anyone is really needing to travel between Devon and Cornwall the Tamar bridge is open - a pal has just been across it en route to watch Plymouth Albion this afternoon, their fixture having somehow survived the weather.

Just read on another Forum that Chippenham footbridge has collapsed, blocking all lines.

Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Penzance
Cancellations to services between Truro and Falmouth Docks
Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Gunnislake
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
Cancellations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Cancellations to services between St Erth and St Ives
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton
Cancellations to services between Par and Newquay
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Taunton
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Reading
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Weymouth via Yeovil Pen Mill
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour via Salisbury
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads
Cancellations to services between Cardiff Central and Carmarthen
Cancellations to services between Hereford and Worcester Foregate Street
Cancellations to services between Twyford and Henley-On-Thames

Cancellations to services on all routes
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Salisbury
Cancellations to services between Romsey and Salisbury
Alterations to services between Yeovil Junction and Salisbury
Delays to services between Eastleigh and Fareham
Delays to services between Mortlake and Barnes
Cancellations to services between Exeter Central and Honiton
Cancellations to services between Southampton Central and Brockenhurst
Alterations to services between Surbiton and Effingham Junction
Cancellations to services between Havant and Petersfield

13 railway lines have been fully suspended, and two other lines are being severely disrupted.

The lines currently suspended are

Llandudno – Blaenau Ffestiniog
Carmarthen – Pembroke Dock / Milford Haven / Fishguard Harbour
Chester – Liverpool Lime Street
Cardiff Central – Panrth / Bridgend via Barry
Cardiff Central – Bridgend / Maesteg / Swansea
Shrewsbury – Llanwrtyd
Machynlleth – Aberystwyth / Pwllheli
Pontypridd – Aberdare / Merthyr Tyfil / Treherbert
Rayr – Coryton
Cardiff Central – Rhymney
Chester – Holyhead
Shrewsbury – Chester / Birmingham International
Cardiff Bay – Cardiff Queen Street
The line between Cardiff Central / Crewe / Manchester Piccadilly and Shrewsbury is running but is expected to be severely delayed all day.

Cancellations to services between Cardiff Central and Nottingham
Cancellations to services between Manchester Piccadilly and Bournemouth
Cancellations to services between Birmingham New Street and Penzance

The station roof at Westbury has incurred significant damage from Storm Darragh, and is not safe to keep Westbury station open; therefore WESTBURY STATION IS CLOSED!

No trains will call in and out of Westbury until further notice. We are looking at various alternatives, but we do not expect to be able to source enough road transport to meet the demand, therefore customers are encouraged to delay their plans for today.

Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Penzance
Cancellations to services between Cardiff Central and Carmarthen
Cancellations to services between Truro and Falmouth Docks
Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Gunnislake
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
Cancellations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Cancellations to services between St Erth and St Ives
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton
Cancellations to services between Hereford and Worcester Foregate Street
Cancellations to services between Par and Newquay
Cancellations to services between Twyford and Henley-On-Thames
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Taunton
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Reading
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Weymouth via Yeovil Pen Mill
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour via Salisbury
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads
Cancellations to services between Salisbury and Warminster

As of 07:00, JourneyCheck had 10 'Line updates' and no less than 347 'Train cancellations'.

The map is very red.

As usual the weather is to blame, rather then the failure of NR to cut the trees down.

Amber and red warnings. The train service should be suspended altogether.

It’s not worth the risk of damage to trains & infrastructure and more importantly having stranded passengers.

Latest from GWR:

https://www.gwr.com/sunday-disruption


So no services or routes cancelled, just an advisory to change travel plans.

Millions sent government alert as Storm Darragh approaches

Around three million people in parts of Wales and south-west England have been sent an emergency alert from the government as Storm Darragh approaches the UK.

It is the largest use of the warning system yet and has been sent to the mobile phones of people in areas covered by the Met Office red weather warning for the storm.

The alert made a loud siren-like sound when it was delivered to devices, even if they were set on silent. The alert lasted for around 10 seconds.

The Met Office issued a rare red warning - the most serious type - earlier on Friday for wind in anticipation of the approaching storm.

The Met Office only issues red warnings when meteorologists believe that dangerous, potentially life-threatening weather is expected imminently.

It is in place from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday, covering western and southern coastal regions of Wales, as well as the Bristol Channel including parts of Bristol and Cardiff.

The areas under the red warning are forecast wind gusts of 90mph (144kmph) or more, which could lead to flying debris and falling trees, posing a danger to life, the Met Office said.

The government alert was sent to every compatible mobile phone in impacted areas, containing information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe into Saturday.

Outside of test scenarios, the alert system has been used twice before, though both times on a smaller scale.

The last Met Office red warning was issued in January for winds in north-east Scotland.

Amber warnings covering Northern Ireland, Wales and the west coast of England are in place on Saturday morning.

The winds are also expected to cause large waves, power cuts affecting mobile phone services, as well as damage to buildings and homes. Transport networks are also anticipated to be affected.

Heavy rain and strengthening winds will start to be felt across western parts of the UK on Friday evening as less serious yellow warnings come into force.

This weather pattern will turn into Storm Darragh moving into Saturday.

The Met Office said the strongest winds would subside by late Saturday morning, but that it would remain very windy until the evening, with amber warnings remaining in place until then.

A yellow rain warning, indicating a risk of flooding, is also in place in parts of the western UK.

In the north of Scotland, a yellow warning for snow is in place, with areas above 400m (1,300ft) getting up to 20cm (8in) of snow. Snow will affect higher parts of the A9 and A83, and may lead to disruption and potential closures.

The Irish Meteorological Service has also issued a red warning for wind from 22:00 on Friday across parts of counties Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo.



In Wales, all domestic football and rugby matches scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled, including Cardiff City's Championship fixture against Watford which had been due to kick off at 15:00 GMT.

Other postponed Saturday football matches include Newport County v Carlisle United in League Two and Plymouth v Oxford United in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Welsh Rugby Union has postponed all community rugby fixtures.

As the weather worsens on Friday evening, shops and cafes in Welsh towns are making the decision to close on Saturday the run-up to the festive period.

Across the UK, there have also been widespread cancellations of winter events and Christmas markets scheduled for the weekend.

In London, all of the Royal Parks will close on Saturday which includes the popular Winter Wonderland attraction in Hyde Park.

Some travel providers warned that services were likely to be affected.

Stena Line ferries said some services across the Irish Sea on Saturday would be cancelled, while the Scottish CalMac operator said some routes could face disruption at short notice.

National Rail said some train journeys in the south west would face disruption, and urged users to check their journey before setting off.

Bristol Airport warned passengers that "disruption is expected" and passengers should check with their airline before travelling.

SP Energy Networks, a Scottish energy firm, said it was mobilising engineers to respond to power cuts "as quickly as possible" but added that customers should tell them if they lose power.  "If you experience a power outage ... please don't assume we know about it."

The RAC has advised motorists to postpone their journeys due to the "highly unusual" red weather warning.  Spokeswoman Alice Simpson told the BBC: "Exposed rural and coastal routes will be particularly treacherous.  Drivers in these areas should be wary of any high-sided vehicles as they are at risk of being buffeted off course or, worse still, blown over."

Storm Darragh is the fourth named storm of the year, after Ashley, Bert and Conall.

Some parts of the UK are still recovering from Storm Bert, which caused extreme flooding and led to the deaths of five people in November.

Scientists say as the Earth's climate warms, extreme weather events will become more frequent. For every 1C rise in average temperature, the atmosphere can hold up to around 7% more moisture.

Globally, heavy rainfall events have become more frequent and intense over most land regions, according to the UN's climate body, which says the pattern will intensify with further warming.

Travel advice following the recently issued storm weather warning and special events taking place across the GWR network:

Following red and amber weather warnings in relation to Storm Darragh on parts of our network, we are advising customers to change their plans if possible this weekend.

Although we expect to still be able to run train services, strong winds mean speed restrictions will be in place across the network, increasing journey times. Fallen trees and other debris may also impact services.

Customers with tickets for travel on GWR services on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December can be used on Monday 9 December.

If you no longer wish to travel this weekend you can claim a full refund at GWR.com/help-and-support/refunds

Please note Bath Christmas Market has been cancelled on Saturday.

For the latest journey information visit GWR.com/check.

On Sunday only, crew availability means a significantly reduced, amended timetable will be in place on long-distance services. Online journey planners are currently not correct and will be updated.

Please check your journey on Sunday morning for the latest information.

I’m fully expecting that will happen. After being caught up in the mess a couple of weeks back, better to say in advance of tomorrow NO train services based on the warnings issued then everyone knows not to head to station in the first place.

Amber and red warnings. The train service should be suspended altogether.

It’s not worth the risk of damage to trains & infrastructure and more importantly having stranded passengers.

Network Rail is currently assessing the impact on train services and we expect to be able to update our advice for travel tomorrow in the next hour.

Storm Darragh is set to bring damaging winds to parts of the UK on Saturday.

Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and western parts of England and Wales could see gusts of up to 80mph (129km/h) from Darragh, which was named by the Met Office on Thursday.

Amber and yellow severe weather warnings have been issued with power cuts, building damage and transport disruption likely.

While heavy rain is also forecast, there is unlikely to be as much rainfall and flooding as seen with Storm Bert.

The fourth named storm of the season, Darragh comes only weeks after Storms Bert and Conall caused disruption at the end of November.

Late on Friday, a developing area of low pressure will start to bring heavy rain and strengthening winds across western parts of the UK.

As this develops further into Saturday, this becomes Storm Darragh with its centre crossing northern England.

An amber severe weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for strong winds in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and western areas of England and Wales from 3am to 9pm on Saturday.

Gusts will be around 70-80mph (113-129km/h), especially around coastal areas. Further inland, gusts will be 60-70mph (96-113km/h).

These wind gusts have the potential to damage buildings and will bring travel disruption, especially to ferry services in the Irish Sea.

There is a larger yellow Met Office warning across all parts of England and Wales for wind valid from 3pm on Friday through to 6am on Sunday when Darragh will have cleared into the North Sea.

Gusts will widely be around 40-50mph (64-80km/h) across England and Wales which could lead to some transport disruption on Saturday.

Those affected by severe flooding after Storm Bert may be concerned by another storm and heavy rain.

While the rainfall totals associated with Storm Darragh will not be as high, around 2-3in (50-60mm) of rain is expected in parts of Wales and central and southern Scotland by Saturday lunchtime.

A yellow Met Office warning for rain is valid from 3pm on Friday to 12pm on Saturday across these areas as there may be some localised flooding impacts.

Otherwise, more widely across the UK, rainfall totals will be up to an inch (25mm).

There will also be some heavy snow for a time over the higher ground of Scotland as Storm Darragh moves through.

The train is unable to move in a forward direction, according to National Rail

Again from Realtime Trains, the Okehampton line is now back, the first arrival from Exeter being the 17:15, with the remaining three trains also scheduled to run.

Mark

If you wondered if the service was sh1t?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wrz7y5wvko

Checked the GWR web site and that does have the info - they're awaiting the all clear on a bridge that required inspection by divers, reopening 28th so it looks as though that hasn't happened. Perhaps this'll be the longest lasting closure consequential to storm Bert.

If you wondered if the service was sh1t?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wrz7y5wvko

Storm Conall brings more rain as it passes over UK

Storm Conall has brought another day of rain to southern England, causing disruptions including cancellations of train services.

There are currently 75 flood warnings in England with flood-hit areas still recovering from the days of downpours during Storm Bert.

The new storm broght fewer issues as it passed over southern England on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, because it was forecast to strengthen as it moved towards the Netherlands.

The number of flood warnings is expected to continue dropping as the flood-hit areas will see drier weather over the next few days.

As Storm Conall passed over England, nearly 50mm of rain fell on Dartmoor and 20-30mm in some other parts of southern England.

But many of the areas that were flooded during Storm Bert saw less rain with totals at around 3mm-8mm, so further problems were averted.  The rain was linked to a developing area of low pressure crossing west to east across southern England.  The upcoming days will see higher pressure, which will bring dry weather across flooded areas, allowing time for the flood water to disappear.

In parts of south-east England, trains were cancelled along three routes due to flooded tracks, while five other routes were facing disruption on Wednesday morning.

Gatwick Express trains will continue to see delays and cancellations into the evening, with the service advising commuters who use the service to start return journeys as soon as possible due to disruptions.

Thameslink passengers travelling to Welwyn Garden City have been advised to use alternate routes due to some suspended services, while others are still reduced.

...



Heavy rainfall and strong winds brought by Storm Bert over the weekend led to at least five deaths, while homes, roads and rail networks faced major disruption.

(news item continues)

This is almost rubbing salt into an open wound, but if you have a spare 3 hours in the day you might like to watch the video and marvel at how the Norwegian railways cope with bad weather.

It gets particularly spicy about 1hr 40min. Just try to picture an IEP running in the same conditions.

https://youtu.be/JvDjZRR9LAg?si=e7nt4ohYCEMI1Ta-

From GWR a couple of hours ago (dusk on 26th November)

We understand that in times of extreme weather and high river levels some trains have to be cancelled,  but it would be a real help to us if you could run almost all of the trains that are in your timetable please once this unusual weather event has passed. Thank you

A newly-named storm, Conall, is forecast to bring heavy rain to southern England and threaten further issues in flood-hit areas still cleaning up from Storm Bert.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for rainfall in several southern areas of the UK from 22:00 GMT on Tuesday until midday on Wednesday.

Many parts of England and Wales will also see wet conditions overnight, though the worst of the storm will not hit the UK.

The storm was named by the Dutch Weather Service, which along with the Met Office and Met Eireann in Ireland, name storms for ease of communication.

BBC Weather's Tomasz Schafernaker said Conall would still be developing as it tracked across southern parts of the UK, meaning "the worst of the storm is expected to miss us".  He said the rain would be "initially quite heavy", before moving east throughout the night.

The heaviest rainfall is expected near the south coast of England and in the far southeast, with 15-20mm and possibly 30-40mm of rain forecast.  These areas did not receive the same heavy rainfall from Storm Bert as some other parts of England and Wales.

Flood-hit areas, which could see some rainfall overnight, are very sensitive to any more rain.  And while there will not be much, typically 5-15mm, it could cause more issues.



On Wednesday, the rain band is expected to curl back, with Lincolnshire, the Peak District and the Midlands likely to experience wet conditions, Schafernaker said.

Coastal areas of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Kent could also feel "near gale force" winds.  In the north, frost is expected in Scotland and the Lake District.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds brought by Storm Bert over the weekend led to at least five deaths, while homes, roads and rail networks faced major disruption.  Many communities are still cleaning up after homes and businesses were inundated by floodwater.

Conall is the third "named" storm of the season, after Ashley and Bert.

The storms list - first launched in 2015 - for each year generally runs from early September until late August the following year, coinciding with the beginning of autumn.

From GWR a couple of hours ago (dusk on 26th November)

We promised to keep you updated as the impact of Storm Bert continues to be felt.
 
While most lines have now reopened, both the Barnstaple and Okehampton branch lines remain closed and are likely to remain so until at least Thursday 28 Nov. High water levels in the River Yeo to the north of Crediton means Network Rail divers aren’t yet able to ascertain the damage to a rail bridge over the river, so the lines remain closed.
 
We are operating a rail shuttle service from Exeter St Davids to Crediton, and a limited rail replacement service between Exeter and Barnstaple/Okehampton. These taxis/buses will run directly between Exeter and Barnstaple/Okehampton respectively and will not call at any intermediate stations, including Crediton. We also have ticket acceptance on certain local bus routes; more information can be found at www.gwr.com/check.
 
The line between Bristol Parkway and Swindon also remains closed due to flooding. As a result our South Wales-London service is reduced to an hourly frequency, and continues to run on a diversionary route adding around 45 minutes to journey times. Similarly we expect this to remain in place until Thursday 28 Nov at the earliest.
 
Tickets dated for travel today can be used tomorrow (Weds 27 Nov). There is also heavy rain forecast overnight this evening into tomorrow and with water levels already very high there is the chance for further disruption, so we’re advising customers to check before they travel at www.gwr.com/check, or through our social media accounts at www.x.com/gwrhelp and www.x.com/networkrailwest.
 
As ever if there’s anything we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

When a platform is being worked on or replaced, it should be raised by the maximum permitted height relative to the train, in order that the track can be later raised without altering the platform.

With "once in a century" floods now occurring every few years, and a reasonable expectation that this will get worse and not better, the railway needs to get better prepared. Or in more detail-

When a new bridge is required over a rail line, at LEAST one meter EXTRA clearance should be provided under the bridge in order that the track can be raised in future without altering the bridge.

When a platform is being worked on or replaced, it should be raised by the maximum permitted height relative to the train, in order that the track can be later raised without altering the platform.

New or refurbished station buildings should be designed to be flood resistant, hard floor and wall coverings that can be pressure washed rather than replaced after a flood. High level electrics. High level shelfs upon which can be placed IT equipment and other valuables when flooding threatens.

Substations for traction or domestic purposes to be located on plinths a meter above the worst previous flood.

Flooding is still blocking the line between Bedwyn and Taunton, meaning there are no long-distance services between Devon & Cornwall and London

We promised to keep you updated on the impact of Storm Bert on our services. Network Rail and GWR teams have been working throughout the day to clear and inspect the lines, opening them for service where possible.
 
We are now able to operate a limited service on most of our routes, including from South Wales, Bristol and the Cotswolds to London. Our South Wales services must operate via a diversionary route due to flooding between Bristol Parkway and Swindon, meaning journeys are taking longer.
 
Flooding is still blocking the line between Bedwyn and Taunton, meaning there are no long-distance services between Devon & Cornwall and London. Customers are advised not to travel on this route; we do have ticket acceptance on SWR from Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo for customers who do need to travel.
 
Local services in Devon & Cornwall are now operating with the exception of the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines which remain closed. Our Night Riviera sleeper service will not operate tonight or tomorrow (Tuesday 26 Nov).
 
We will maintain a reduced service on our long-distance routes tomorrow (Tuesday 26 Nov). Additional rain is forecast for tomorrow evening which could result further flooding of the railway at certain key locations. As a result customers are advised to complete journeys tomorrow by 1900.
 
Tickets dated for today (Mon 25) can be tomorrow and on Wednesday 27 Nov, or customers can claim a full fee-free refund. For the latest information and to check journeys, customers should visit www.gwr.com/check.
 
Thank you for your patience and support, and if there’s anything we do to help, please do get in touch.

... that trains on the Bristol-Southampton line are running a tolerably useful service. ( I was going to include the Melksham line (gasp) but at this moment the train's in the platform at Westbury, apparently waiting for a conductor).

London Paddington - Swansea

Train services between London Paddington and South Wales are subject to severe disruption due to flooding. The level of disruption combined with shortages of train crew and planned engineering works means that GWR are unable to guarantee that any journey on this route will remain feasible this evening and intending customers are strongly advised to amend their travel plans to travel today or Tuesday 26th November.

Trains are only running between London Paddington and Swindon, they are unable to divert via alternative routes as these are both closed by flooding. Great Western Railway are unable to offer alternative transport between Swindon and Bristol Parkway. You are advised not to attempt to travel along this route.