Storm Ingrid: Train Disruptions on the South Coast
Rail passengers are facing significant disruptions on the south coast due to Storm Ingrid's heavy rain and strong winds. Network Rail has issued a black alert, the highest warning, from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM GMT on Friday, anticipating 12ft (4m) waves at the Dawlish sea wall and gusts of up to 60mph (96km/h). This is only the second time a black alert has been issued since a storm caused track damage in February 2014.
Great Western Railway (GWR) has announced a shutdown of the line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot from 8:30 PM on Friday to 2:00 PM on Saturday, citing the 'significant risk' of seawater breaching the Dawlish sea wall. Chris Fuoco, Devon and Cornwall director of Network Rail, confirms it's the first time they've issued their highest alert since 2014, emphasizing safety precautions.
The new sea wall in Dawlish, built after the 2014 storm, is now being tested by Storm Ingrid. GWR states that predicted heavy rain and gusts of up to 60mph in coastal areas during high tide pose a risk of seawater breaching the wall and debris on the railway.
Train services will operate between London Paddington and Exeter St Davids, and Newton Abbot towards Penzance, with replacement coaches on standby. Tickets on affected routes are valid up to and including Sunday. Other routes are expected to run normally, but passengers are advised to check their journeys.
The storm's impact extends beyond trains. David Braine, a senior meteorologist, notes that six major storms hit the South West from late January to mid-February 2014, with the storm on February 4th and 5th causing track damage. Steve Briers adds that the stormy winter and low pressure weakened the railway line defenses.
Flooding is also expected along the South West coast, with 16 flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency around Devon and Cornwall, including the Tidal Fal Estuary and several tidal areas. The Met Office has issued a yellow wind and rain warning for Devon and Cornwall, with persistent rain on saturated ground.
Stay tuned for further updates as Storm Ingrid continues to impact the region.
