Travel warning: Great Western Railway passengers urged to travel early

Due to heavy rainfall forecast on already flooded ground, Great Western Railway is advising people against starting their journey by rail.

Those who have already travelled should consider making the return journey as soon as possible.

With further flood warnings in place and the amount of rain forecast, 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.

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.