GWR and SWR urge people to avoid trains amid heavy rainfall

Great Western Railway is advising people against starting their journey by rail, and those who have already travelled should consider making the return journey as soon as possible.

South Western Railway has also warned that flooding is likely to disrupt services from midday to the end of service. 

Heavy rain is forecast in Salisbury from 2pm on Thursday, January 4, until midnight, according to the latest forecast from the Met Office.

A yellow weather warning for rain is in place from midday until 3am on Friday, January 5.

The Met Office has warned that spray and flooding may cause difficult driving conditions and some road closures. Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are also possible.

Network Rail has identified key sites in Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall as being at risk of flooding from around 1500. Trains may not be able to operate through these areas. 

MOST READ: Photos show flooding in Salisbury after heavy rainfall^[2]

The direct route between Swindon and Bristol Parkway remains closed due to flooding. Other locations most at risk include sites between: 

• Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads 
• Newton Abbot and Plymouth 
• Exeter and Tiverton 
• Bristol Temple Meads and Western-super-Mare 
• Taunton and Westbury  

Services between London Paddington and Swindon will continue to operate but may be affected by flooding elsewhere. 

Customers with tickets for trains later today can use their ticket on earlier services.  

References

1. ^{^} Flood warning issued as Met Office forecasts 10 hours of heavy rain in Salisbury (www.salisburyjournal.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Photos show flooding in Salisbury after heavy rainfall (www.salisburyjournal.co.uk)