Storm Austen: what it means for GWR trains in Cornwall on Friday

Got a train to catch in Cornwall on Friday morning? Check it’s still running before you leave the house.

Great Western Railway is scaling back services across Devon and Cornwall on Friday 23 October as Storm Austen arrives. Trains will be slower and fewer, and there will be no direct long-distance service between London and Penzance.

Amber warning for Storm Austen

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Storm Austen, with strong winds and gusts that could top 80mph in coastal parts of the South West.

GWR says strong winds raise the risk of trees and other debris falling onto the railway. So lower speed limits will be in place on routes across Devon and Cornwall from the start of service until 13:00 on Friday, to keep passengers and staff safe.

Fewer trains on Friday morning

Slower running means fewer trains can run. GWR has planned these changes:

• Long-distance services will run between London Paddington and Plymouth only.
• Local shuttle services will run between Plymouth and Penzance.
• Some early-morning services will be cancelled so teams can check for storm damage in full daylight.

Trains that do run are expected to be busier, and some journeys will take longer than usual. Other services in the region may change too, as GWR responds to conditions and works to limit the impact of the storm.

Sleeper stops at Plymouth

Thursday night’s (22 October) Sleeper service from London Paddington will terminate at Plymouth.

What to do before you travel

GWR is asking anyone travelling in Devon and Cornwall on Friday to check before they travel.

The full amended timetable is due to be published on GWR’s check your journey page later on Thursday. The operator has apologised for the impact on travel plans.

More travel information is available through GWR’s live network updates page, and the company says it will keep updating customers as conditions change.