Storm Goretti: South Devon rail passengers warned as evening services suspended

Several rail routes in Devon will be suspended this evening as Storm Goretti is forecast to bring severe winds, heavy rain and potential snow to the county.

Gusts of up to 70mph are expected, with a Met Office yellow weather warning in place across parts of Devon from 3pm today (8 January) until 8am tomorrow. The Met Office has warned there is a potential “danger to life” from flying debris, along with a risk of fallen trees, power cuts and travel disruption.

Great Western Railway (GWR) has confirmed that services between Exeter and Okehampton, and Exeter and Barnstaple, will be suspended from 6pm this evening due to safety concerns. The operator has urged passengers to travel as early as possible and not attempt to make journeys on affected routes after closure times.

Replacement road transport will not be available because road conditions are also expected to be hazardous during the storm.

The Riviera Line between Paignton, Torquay and Newton Abbot is currently marked with an alert on the Trainline website, warning that “service alterations across the National Rail network are likely with the arrival of Storm Goretti” and advising passengers to check journeys in full before travelling. As of 17:15, upcoming services on the route appear to be running on time, but rail users have been warned that conditions may change at short notice.

Disruption is expected to continue into Friday morning (9 January), particularly on the suspended routes, while checks are carried out to ensure the railway is safe to reopen.

In Cornwall, where the storm is expected to hit hardest in the South West, all rail services between Plymouth and Penzance will be suspended from 6pm, alongside branch lines.

GWR has also confirmed that tickets will be valid for travel tomorrow, and passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more may be eligible for compensation.