GREAT Western Railway (GWR) is warning of significant disruption today due to flooding (Friday, January 5).

Passengers are urged to check their journey before they travel, as there could be cancellations or diversions.

Currently, there is only one route to the west from Paddington, since flooding is blocking direct services to South Wales and Devon and Cornwall. 

Last night, police had to close the railway near Reading following a serious incident, meaning that trains and crew this morning were in the wrong place for the start of the service, causing further disruption.

A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said: “We’re really sorry for the disruption customers are experiencing, especially those caught up yesterday evening after a person was sadly hit by a train near Reading. 

“Police dealing with the incident took control of the line, which meant we couldn’t run trains through the affected area until it was handed back earlier this morning. This is unfortunately having a significant impact today.” 

Locally, the line is closed between Reading and Taunton, as well as Swindon and Bristol Parkway.

GWR expects to be able to operate a train per hour on the following routes:

•    London Paddington and Weston-super-Mare via Bristol Temple Meads;
•    London Paddington and Swansea (via Bristol Temple Meads);
•    London Paddington and Plymouth/Penzance.

Any trains that do run are expected to be extremely busy.

Due to the disruption, passengers with tickets for Thursday, January 4 and Friday, January 5 can travel up to and including Saturday, January 6.