Heavy rains causes rail disruption in Devon and Cornwall

There have also been reports of localised flooding on some roads in the two counties.

The Environment Agency said two flood warnings, external^[1] were in place for Devon - one affecting the lower River Torridge and one for the River Yarty from Yarcombe to Axminster.

Food alerts, meaning flooding is possible, are in place in many other areas.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain across south England until 03:00 on Friday.

GWR said there had been disruption between Totnes and Plymouth after heavy rain flooded the railway.

It said: "Train services between London Paddington and Penzance via Plymouth are returning to normal but some services have been cancelled, delayed or terminated at and started back from Exeter St Davids."

Peter Gentleman from the operator advised passengers to check before travelling.

"We've got the water coming off the land that could cause some significant problems," he said.

He said the Liskeard to Looe branch line has been closed after flooding "on and off for several days".

He explained that the rain is falling on ground which is already "sodden" from previous days of rainfall and so the extra rain would "flow fast onto railway lines".

Closures are expected into the weekend and passengers are advised to check the situation before they try to travel, external^[2].

References

1. ^{^} two flood warnings, external (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)
2. ^{^} check the situation before they try to travel, external (www.gwr.com)