Steve Briers
Trains have been cancelled overnight and for much of Saturday
Rail passengers are facing disruption to services in Devon, Cornwall and other parts of the region due to heavy rain and strong winds caused by Storm Ingrid.
Forecasters say the storm’s centre will pass close to south-west England on Friday with gusts of up to 60mph (96km/h) on exposed coasts. A Met Office yellow warning for wind and rain is in place from 02:00 GMT on Friday to 09:00 on Saturday.
Great Western Railway (GWR) said the line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot would shut between 20:30 on Friday and 14:00 on Saturday due to “significant risk” of sea water breaching the Dawlish sea wall, where the railway follows the shoreline.
It said replacement coaches were on standby.
The rail firm added disruption was expected to last until 16:00 on Saturday.
“Predicted heavy and persistent rain in the south west, combined with gusts of up to 60mph in coastal areas during high tide, represents a significant risk of sea water breaching the Dawlish sea wall, and debris on the railway,” it said.
GWR said the line between Liskeard and Looe was shut due to flooding and disruption was expected until Monday.
It said that closure was due to heavy rainfall and high tides during December, leading to water levels at several bridges to be above the safety levels.
Bridges along the branch line were damaged and required repairs, it added, which have been delayed following Storm Goretti on 8 January.
