A remarkable recovery - it's fortunate that roofers have Sundays in the working week! 

Looks like someone (THANK YOU) has been working very hard fixing / checking overnight and both Chippenham and Westbury are re-opened this morning ... breaking news ...

We are going to agree to disagree about the reasonableness of having three old stations all fail in the exceptional wind.   And rather like boxing day trains, we will generate a lot of heat in discussion but in the end it's just an occasional incident ... in my view what is much more important is the safety of people at these time and secondly the ongoing "lack of crew" and "your line needed for engineering works [elsewhere]" that we're back to at my home station tomorrow!

Fair question, Timmer.

How about a fleet of coaches being provided, as road replacement transport?

After all, they've had 24 hours to get it organised.  

VERY limited road transport is operating between Bristol Temple Meads and Salisbury, via stations on route.

Fair question, Timmer.

How about a fleet of coaches being provided, as road replacement transport?

After all, they've had 24 hours to get it organised.  

The question is where does this leave commuters from the likes of Warminster, Frome, Trowbridge, Melksham and Bradford on Avon to Swindon, Bath and Bristol?

Update from GWR at 19.35

  Westbury station has been closed as a safety precaution, and trains are unable to call there. The ticket office is closed.

This will not be fixed until Tuesday 10th December at the earliest, therefore no trains will operate to or from Westbury on Monday 9th December 2024.

Storm Darragh continues to have a considerable impact on services across our network. Trains are unable to run on several parts of the network and currently services remain suspended west of Cardiff Central, between Oxford and Hereford, on the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines, and on all branch lines in Cornwall.
 
Network Rail teams are working as we speak to get lines safely reopened as quickly as possible, including removing fallen trees and other debris, however some disruption is expected tomorrow morning (Mon 9 Dec), particularly between Carmarthen and Swansea, and on our Cornish branch lines.
 
Storm damage has also closed Westbury and Chippenham stations and this will remain the case tomorrow (Mon 9 Dec). Trains are operating between Cardiff Central and Bristol Temple Meads, and between Salisbury and Portsmouth Harbour. Limited connecting rail replacement bus services are in operation, including between Bath Spa/Swindon and Chippenham. The Night Riviera Sleeper service has been cancelled this evening, Sun 8 Dec.
 
The very latest travel information including on refunds and ticket acceptance is available at www.gwr.com/check or also from our social media sites at www.x.com/gwrhelp and www.x.com/networkrailwest. 
 
We apologise for the ongoing disruption, and as ever if there’s anything we can do to help please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
 
Best wishes
 
Tom & Tomos

Cancellations to services at Chippenham

Due to severe weather at Chippenham the line is blocked.

Train services running through this station will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Customer Advice

Following damage from Storm Darragh, Chippenham Station has been declared not safe to operate. Therefore the station is closed, and trains are not calling there.

Customers requiring Chippenham are advised to travel to Swindon, where road transport will be available. If travelling from Bristol Temple Meads or Bath Spa, please board a London Paddington bound service and change at Swindon. For customers travelling from London Paddington or Reading, please alight at Swindon for transport. Please also be advised that due to availability, there may be a waiting time of up to 30 minutes at Swindon for road transport.

For customers arriving at Chippenham, LIMITED road transport is in operation for customers making local journeys towards Bath Spa, Swindon, Melksham, and Westbury.

Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, tweet us @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.

If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:08/12/2024 08:31

lusted
Too old and too cold!

RTT showing service Bristol to Weymouth via Westbury, starting with a VST lusted departure at 09.29. It was activated at 03.55

Then there is the 17.53 and 20.11 from Weymouth and the 17.48 and 2049 from Bristol, all WTT services

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:36498/2024-12-08/detailed

I think your pal might have been mistaken - the Plymouth v Oxford game was called off yesterday lunchtime. I spent some time in Chieveley services with them as their coach was in the process of returning to Oxford.

If anyone is really needing to travel between Devon and Cornwall the Tamar bridge is open - a pal has just been across it en route to watch Plymouth Albion this afternoon, their fixture having somehow survived the weather.

Just read on another Forum that Chippenham footbridge has collapsed, blocking all lines.

Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Penzance
Cancellations to services between Truro and Falmouth Docks
Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Gunnislake
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
Cancellations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Cancellations to services between St Erth and St Ives
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton
Cancellations to services between Par and Newquay
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Taunton
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Reading
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Weymouth via Yeovil Pen Mill
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour via Salisbury
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads
Cancellations to services between Cardiff Central and Carmarthen
Cancellations to services between Hereford and Worcester Foregate Street
Cancellations to services between Twyford and Henley-On-Thames

Cancellations to services on all routes
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Salisbury
Cancellations to services between Romsey and Salisbury
Alterations to services between Yeovil Junction and Salisbury
Delays to services between Eastleigh and Fareham
Delays to services between Mortlake and Barnes
Cancellations to services between Exeter Central and Honiton
Cancellations to services between Southampton Central and Brockenhurst
Alterations to services between Surbiton and Effingham Junction
Cancellations to services between Havant and Petersfield

13 railway lines have been fully suspended, and two other lines are being severely disrupted.

The lines currently suspended are

Llandudno – Blaenau Ffestiniog
Carmarthen – Pembroke Dock / Milford Haven / Fishguard Harbour
Chester – Liverpool Lime Street
Cardiff Central – Panrth / Bridgend via Barry
Cardiff Central – Bridgend / Maesteg / Swansea
Shrewsbury – Llanwrtyd
Machynlleth – Aberystwyth / Pwllheli
Pontypridd – Aberdare / Merthyr Tyfil / Treherbert
Rayr – Coryton
Cardiff Central – Rhymney
Chester – Holyhead
Shrewsbury – Chester / Birmingham International
Cardiff Bay – Cardiff Queen Street
The line between Cardiff Central / Crewe / Manchester Piccadilly and Shrewsbury is running but is expected to be severely delayed all day.

Cancellations to services between Cardiff Central and Nottingham
Cancellations to services between Manchester Piccadilly and Bournemouth
Cancellations to services between Birmingham New Street and Penzance

The station roof at Westbury has incurred significant damage from Storm Darragh, and is not safe to keep Westbury station open; therefore WESTBURY STATION IS CLOSED!

No trains will call in and out of Westbury until further notice. We are looking at various alternatives, but we do not expect to be able to source enough road transport to meet the demand, therefore customers are encouraged to delay their plans for today.

Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Penzance
Cancellations to services between Cardiff Central and Carmarthen
Cancellations to services between Truro and Falmouth Docks
Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Gunnislake
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
Cancellations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Cancellations to services between St Erth and St Ives
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton
Cancellations to services between Hereford and Worcester Foregate Street
Cancellations to services between Par and Newquay
Cancellations to services between Twyford and Henley-On-Thames
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Taunton
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Reading
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Weymouth via Yeovil Pen Mill
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour via Salisbury
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads
Cancellations to services between Salisbury and Warminster

As of 07:00, JourneyCheck had 10 'Line updates' and no less than 347 'Train cancellations'.

The map is very red.

As usual the weather is to blame, rather then the failure of NR to cut the trees down.

Amber and red warnings. The train service should be suspended altogether.

It’s not worth the risk of damage to trains & infrastructure and more importantly having stranded passengers.

Latest from GWR:

https://www.gwr.com/sunday-disruption


So no services or routes cancelled, just an advisory to change travel plans.

Millions sent government alert as Storm Darragh approaches

Around three million people in parts of Wales and south-west England have been sent an emergency alert from the government as Storm Darragh approaches the UK.

It is the largest use of the warning system yet and has been sent to the mobile phones of people in areas covered by the Met Office red weather warning for the storm.

The alert made a loud siren-like sound when it was delivered to devices, even if they were set on silent. The alert lasted for around 10 seconds.

The Met Office issued a rare red warning - the most serious type - earlier on Friday for wind in anticipation of the approaching storm.

The Met Office only issues red warnings when meteorologists believe that dangerous, potentially life-threatening weather is expected imminently.

It is in place from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday, covering western and southern coastal regions of Wales, as well as the Bristol Channel including parts of Bristol and Cardiff.

The areas under the red warning are forecast wind gusts of 90mph (144kmph) or more, which could lead to flying debris and falling trees, posing a danger to life, the Met Office said.

The government alert was sent to every compatible mobile phone in impacted areas, containing information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe into Saturday.

Outside of test scenarios, the alert system has been used twice before, though both times on a smaller scale.

The last Met Office red warning was issued in January for winds in north-east Scotland.

Amber warnings covering Northern Ireland, Wales and the west coast of England are in place on Saturday morning.

The winds are also expected to cause large waves, power cuts affecting mobile phone services, as well as damage to buildings and homes. Transport networks are also anticipated to be affected.

Heavy rain and strengthening winds will start to be felt across western parts of the UK on Friday evening as less serious yellow warnings come into force.

This weather pattern will turn into Storm Darragh moving into Saturday.

The Met Office said the strongest winds would subside by late Saturday morning, but that it would remain very windy until the evening, with amber warnings remaining in place until then.

A yellow rain warning, indicating a risk of flooding, is also in place in parts of the western UK.

In the north of Scotland, a yellow warning for snow is in place, with areas above 400m (1,300ft) getting up to 20cm (8in) of snow. Snow will affect higher parts of the A9 and A83, and may lead to disruption and potential closures.

The Irish Meteorological Service has also issued a red warning for wind from 22:00 on Friday across parts of counties Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo.



In Wales, all domestic football and rugby matches scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled, including Cardiff City's Championship fixture against Watford which had been due to kick off at 15:00 GMT.

Other postponed Saturday football matches include Newport County v Carlisle United in League Two and Plymouth v Oxford United in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Welsh Rugby Union has postponed all community rugby fixtures.

As the weather worsens on Friday evening, shops and cafes in Welsh towns are making the decision to close on Saturday the run-up to the festive period.

Across the UK, there have also been widespread cancellations of winter events and Christmas markets scheduled for the weekend.

In London, all of the Royal Parks will close on Saturday which includes the popular Winter Wonderland attraction in Hyde Park.

Some travel providers warned that services were likely to be affected.

Stena Line ferries said some services across the Irish Sea on Saturday would be cancelled, while the Scottish CalMac operator said some routes could face disruption at short notice.

National Rail said some train journeys in the south west would face disruption, and urged users to check their journey before setting off.

Bristol Airport warned passengers that "disruption is expected" and passengers should check with their airline before travelling.

SP Energy Networks, a Scottish energy firm, said it was mobilising engineers to respond to power cuts "as quickly as possible" but added that customers should tell them if they lose power.  "If you experience a power outage ... please don't assume we know about it."

The RAC has advised motorists to postpone their journeys due to the "highly unusual" red weather warning.  Spokeswoman Alice Simpson told the BBC: "Exposed rural and coastal routes will be particularly treacherous.  Drivers in these areas should be wary of any high-sided vehicles as they are at risk of being buffeted off course or, worse still, blown over."

Storm Darragh is the fourth named storm of the year, after Ashley, Bert and Conall.

Some parts of the UK are still recovering from Storm Bert, which caused extreme flooding and led to the deaths of five people in November.

Scientists say as the Earth's climate warms, extreme weather events will become more frequent. For every 1C rise in average temperature, the atmosphere can hold up to around 7% more moisture.

Globally, heavy rainfall events have become more frequent and intense over most land regions, according to the UN's climate body, which says the pattern will intensify with further warming.

Travel advice following the recently issued storm weather warning and special events taking place across the GWR network:

Following red and amber weather warnings in relation to Storm Darragh on parts of our network, we are advising customers to change their plans if possible this weekend.

Although we expect to still be able to run train services, strong winds mean speed restrictions will be in place across the network, increasing journey times. Fallen trees and other debris may also impact services.

Customers with tickets for travel on GWR services on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December can be used on Monday 9 December.

If you no longer wish to travel this weekend you can claim a full refund at GWR.com/help-and-support/refunds

Please note Bath Christmas Market has been cancelled on Saturday.

For the latest journey information visit GWR.com/check.

On Sunday only, crew availability means a significantly reduced, amended timetable will be in place on long-distance services. Online journey planners are currently not correct and will be updated.

Please check your journey on Sunday morning for the latest information.

I’m fully expecting that will happen. After being caught up in the mess a couple of weeks back, better to say in advance of tomorrow NO train services based on the warnings issued then everyone knows not to head to station in the first place.

Amber and red warnings. The train service should be suspended altogether.

It’s not worth the risk of damage to trains & infrastructure and more importantly having stranded passengers.

Network Rail is currently assessing the impact on train services and we expect to be able to update our advice for travel tomorrow in the next hour.

Storm Darragh is set to bring damaging winds to parts of the UK on Saturday.

Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and western parts of England and Wales could see gusts of up to 80mph (129km/h) from Darragh, which was named by the Met Office on Thursday.

Amber and yellow severe weather warnings have been issued with power cuts, building damage and transport disruption likely.

While heavy rain is also forecast, there is unlikely to be as much rainfall and flooding as seen with Storm Bert.

The fourth named storm of the season, Darragh comes only weeks after Storms Bert and Conall caused disruption at the end of November.

Late on Friday, a developing area of low pressure will start to bring heavy rain and strengthening winds across western parts of the UK.

As this develops further into Saturday, this becomes Storm Darragh with its centre crossing northern England.

An amber severe weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for strong winds in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and western areas of England and Wales from 3am to 9pm on Saturday.

Gusts will be around 70-80mph (113-129km/h), especially around coastal areas. Further inland, gusts will be 60-70mph (96-113km/h).

These wind gusts have the potential to damage buildings and will bring travel disruption, especially to ferry services in the Irish Sea.

There is a larger yellow Met Office warning across all parts of England and Wales for wind valid from 3pm on Friday through to 6am on Sunday when Darragh will have cleared into the North Sea.

Gusts will widely be around 40-50mph (64-80km/h) across England and Wales which could lead to some transport disruption on Saturday.

Those affected by severe flooding after Storm Bert may be concerned by another storm and heavy rain.

While the rainfall totals associated with Storm Darragh will not be as high, around 2-3in (50-60mm) of rain is expected in parts of Wales and central and southern Scotland by Saturday lunchtime.

A yellow Met Office warning for rain is valid from 3pm on Friday to 12pm on Saturday across these areas as there may be some localised flooding impacts.

Otherwise, more widely across the UK, rainfall totals will be up to an inch (25mm).

There will also be some heavy snow for a time over the higher ground of Scotland as Storm Darragh moves through.