The Town Council have received the following travel update in light of the weather forecast from Storm Goretti:

“The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings for the storm, which is forecast to bring strong winds and snowfall. Storm Goretti is being described as a multi-hazard event due to its potential impact on travel, infrastructure and public safety. On the railway, high winds increase the risk of falling trees and debris, while snowfall and icy conditions can affect the safe operation of trains.

Service suspensions from 6pm today

Due to an amber weather warning for strong winds, the following services will be suspended from 6pm this evening:

• Cornwall: All train services will be suspended from 6pm this evening until Friday morning, with all trains stopping after reaching their final destination before 6pm.
• Devon: Services between Exeter and Okehampton, and Exeter and Barnstaple, will stop after the final services return to Exeter before 6pm.

Passengers planning to travel on these routes are strongly advised to travel earlier in the day and not to attempt travel late this afternoon or into the evening. Replacement road transport will not be available, as road conditions are also expected to be hazardous.

Ongoing disruption and advice

• Services on the affected routes are expected to remain disrupted on Friday morning, with short-notice cancellations possible.
• While we will continue to operate as many trains as possible on all other routes, the severe weather may lead to short-notice changes and cancellations.
• All other routes are currently expected to operate as normal, but customers are advised to check before travelling this evening and on Friday morning.
• Customers with tickets for the affected routes may use them to travel earlier today or on Friday.

Network Rail engineers will be on standby in key locations to clear fallen trees and debris as quickly as possible. Station teams are preparing by gritting platforms, ensuring trains are ready for icy conditions, and adapting service patterns as the situation develops. Customers are advised to take extra care at stations, as platforms, steps and car parks may be slippery.

We strongly encourage customers to check their journey before travelling and throughout the day, and to allow extra time where possible. The latest travel information is available at https://www.gwr.com/storm-goretti. You can also read our media release here.”