Story perspectives

Storm Damage Disrupts Train Services; Bus Replacements Implemented

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Network Rail said ballast washed away on the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines, and underwater inspections of bridges and viaducts are required before services resume.
Great Western Railway (GWR) managing director Mark Hopwood says storm damage has affected infrastructure, with branch lines submerged and water levels must fall.
Bus replacements will run Par to Newquay and Liskeard to Looe, but poor road conditions block Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple/Okehampton route.

History

Historical Context

The Great Storm of 1987 struck southern England on October 15-16, causing £1 billion in damages and uprooting over 15 million trees. This unprecedented storm, with winds of hurricane force, highlighted vulnerabilities in infrastructure, prompting significant improvements in weather forecasting. Today, ongoing challenges faced by Network Rail and Great Western Railway reflect the long-term impacts of climate-related incidents on transportation systems.

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Story summary

Network Rail said ballast washed away on the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines, and underwater inspections of bridges and viaducts are required before services resume.
Great Western Railway (GWR) managing director Mark Hopwood says storm damage has affected infrastructure, with branch lines submerged and water levels must fall.
Bus replacements will run Par to Newquay and Liskeard to Looe, but poor road conditions block Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple/Okehampton route.

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