Train services across Devon to be suspended tonight due to high winds

Train services between Exeter and Okehampton, and Exeter and Barnstaple, will be suspended from 6pm tonight, Thursday 8 January, due to forecast high winds, Network Rail has confirmed.

Passengers are being urged to complete their journeys earlier in the day and avoid travelling later this afternoon. Replacement road transport will not be available, as local roads are also expected to be at risk.

Services on these routes may continue to face disruption on Friday morning, with early trains at risk of cancellation. Passengers are advised to check timetables for both outward and return journeys before setting out.

All other Great Western Railway (GWR) services are expected to run as normal, but the severe weather may cause short-notice changes or cancellations. Online journey planners are being updated.

Network Rail engineers will be on standby to clear any fallen trees and debris. Measures include:

• Inspecting drainage systems to prevent flooding

• Checking points heating equipment to avoid jams

• Running Snow and Ice Treatment Trains

• Deploying chainsaw teams to remove blockages

• Inspecting tunnels for low-hanging icicles

Passengers are advised to follow official updates and plan ahead to avoid disruption.