Warning to Somerset rail passengers as 'severe thunderstorms' are forecast

The previous ‘yellow’ warning for Somerset and large swathes of the South West as been upgraded to ‘amber’ – meaning severe thunderstorms torrential downpours are forecast.

The warning is in place between 4pm and 6am tomorrow morning.

⚠️An amber weather warning for heavy rain showers and thunderstorms means Network Rail will introduce speed restrictions across many parts of the GWR network from 16:00 today to 06:00 tomorrow. Ticket restrictions have been lifted, travel as early as possible. ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/4vBpqWVjNs

— GWR Help (@GWRHelp) May 31, 2018

A spokesman for Network Rail said a blanket speed restriction across many parts of the Great Western network will be in place during the warning period.

The spokesman said: “The speed restrictions are being put in place as a matter of precautionary safety for passengers and train staff, between 4pm today (Thursday, May 31) to 6am on Friday (June 1 ) and which will significantly impact GWR’s train service.

“Passengers are advised to travel as early as possible, to check before you travel and where possible consider changing your travel plans, as the situation is likely to deteriorate quickly.

With an amber warning for parts of England and Wales this evening, take extra care on your journey home from work #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/Z7pOhHvjg6

— Met Office (@metoffice) May 31, 2018

“Ticket restrictions have been lifted allowing those with off peak tickets to travel on peak time services, and allowing customers who choose not to travel today to be able to do so tomorrow (Friday, June 1).

“Those who do need to travel are advised to expect late notice cancellations and delays to services where they can be provided.

“The warning comes in light of the emergency weather warning issued by the Met Office for the South West, GWR expects services towards Bristol, South Wales, Exeter, the north and south Cotswolds to be affected.”