Great Western Railway ‘don’t journey’ warning as Storm Claudia sparks main incident

A UK trainline has issued a “do not travel warning” after a major incident was declared in relation to Storm Claudia.

Severe disruption is occurring on the Great Western Railway network due to flooding from Storm Claudia, with services to/from Bristol and South Wales heavily impacted. Passengers are advised to check before they travel and consider postponing their journey if possible, as severe delays and cancellations are expected.

• Impacted routes: Lines between London Paddington and Bristol or South Wales are currently closed or severely affected.
• Cause: Flooding is the main cause, but speed restrictions are also in place due to heavy rain and wind.
• Expected duration: The disruption is expected to last for the rest of the day and could extend into the weekend.
• Specific location: Services are affected between Swindon and Bristol Parkway, and between Chippenham and Bath Spa. All lines are blocked between Liskeard and Looe due to flooding.

What to do

• Check before you travel: Use the National Rail Journey Planner to check the status of your specific journey.
• Consider postponing travel: Network Rail and other operators advise that it is best to avoid travel if possible.
• Allow for significant delays: If you must travel, be prepared for long delays, cancellations, and revised services.
• Use alternative arrangements: Do not attempt to travel on these routes, and make alternative arrangements if possible.
• Check ticket validity: Tickets dated for Friday will be accepted on Saturday and Sunday on routes that are affected.
• Seek assistance: Speak to station staff or use the Customer Help Point if you need assistance.

Storm Claudia has sparked a major incident after huge amounts of flooding hit Monmouth in South Wales. Fire crews, ambulance services and mountain rescue have been working to carry out rescues and evacuations.

Flooding has also hit part of the West Midlands, while the UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow alert for cold weather for large parts of the country. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared the major incident at 1.30am this morning in Monmouth after severe and widespread flooding.

Authorities worked alongside Gwent Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service, lifeboat and mountain rescue, the coastguard and neighbouring fire and rescue services. Area Manager Matt Jones said: “This is a large-scale incident, and our crews and partners have been working tirelessly through the night and into today to help those affected.

“I want to thank everyone involved for the professionalism and care they continue to show in very difficult circumstances. I would urge the public to avoid the Monmouth area completely.

“The flooding is significant, and we need to keep routes clear to allow emergency services to reach the people who need us most. If you are in immediate danger with threat to life or property, or need urgent assistance, please call 999.”

As of 6am, Natural Resources Wales has issued four severe flood warnings. This means a “significant risk to life and significant disruption to the community is expected”.

The warnings are in effect along the River Monnow in Skenfrith, Osbaston and Over Monnow, as well as the River Wye at Monmouth. Monmouthshire County Council has urged residents to avoid travelling.

Another eight flood warnings and 39 flood alerts have been issued across Wales, with 81 flood warnings and 187 flood alerts issued across England.

A yellow alert for cold weather has also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The alert is in place from 8am on Monday, November 17, until 8am on Friday, November 21.