Train services face disruption across Devon and the South West as Storm Austen brings high winds to the region.
Great Western Railway (GWR) and Network Rail have warned passengers in Devon and Cornwall to check before travelling on Friday due to an amber weather warning from the Met Office, with gusts expected to exceed 80mph in coastal areas.
To ensure passenger safety, lower speed limits will be in place across the rail network in Devon and Cornwall from the start of service until 1pm.
Daryn McCombe, Western performance director for GWR and Network Rail, said: "We’re grateful for everyone’s patience as our teams work hard to keep people moving safely.
"We’ll be doing everything we can to keep tracks clear, with chainsaw teams and specialist colleagues deployed to remove any debris as quickly as we can.
"While we will operate as many trains as possible, these measures are about making sure we can keep services running as safely as possible during the storm.
"We’d ask anyone planning to travel in the South West on Friday, especially in the morning, to check the latest travel advice before setting out."
Reduced speeds mean fewer trains will run than usual, and those that do operate are likely to be busier and subject to delays.
GWR’s long-distance services will operate only between London Paddington and Plymouth, with a shuttle service running between Plymouth and Penzance.
Thursday night’s Sleeper service from London Paddington will terminate at Plymouth.
Other services may also be altered, and some early-morning services will be cancelled to allow for assessment of any damage in full daylight.
Passengers are advised to check www.gwr.com/check for the latest updates and to confirm journey details before travelling.
If a train is cancelled, passengers can use services up to two trains before or after their original booking.
CrossCountry has also cancelled services between Penzance and Plymouth today (Thursday 22) and Friday (October 23).
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