Storm Ingrid has triggered major rail disruption across southern parts of the UK, with passengers urged to check journeys carefully or put off travelling altogether as flooding, high winds and flying debris could impact major routes. Severe weather caused by Storm Ingrid has battered areas in south west England and Wales with torrential rain and gales of up to 70mph on Saturday.

The tricky weather prompted yellow Met Office warnings and forced widespread service suspensions across much of the rail network in the area. Although no live weather warnings are currently in place for Sunday, disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day as Network Rail carries out inspections to ensure tracks are safe to reopen.

Lines between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth and between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot are shut until at least 4pm on Sunday, while the Par to Newquay branch line has been closed entirely in the aftermath of Storm Ingrid.

Limited rail replacement services are operating, but passengers are warned that these are extremely busy and could also be delayed.

CrossCountry has confirmed that no services are currently running between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth, advising customers travelling to destinations beyond Exeter to use replacement road transport.

Tickets dated Friday or Saturday are being accepted on Sunday at no extra cost for people who have already been disrupted, and fee-free refunds are available for those choosing not to travel.

Great Western Railway has also warned of significant disruption, with long-distance services now split, operating only between London Paddington or Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter St Davids, and separately between Plymouth and Penzance.

Again, some rail replacement buses and taxis have been put in place to minimise disruption.

Passengers have been advised to allow significantly more time, check the National Rail journey planner before setting off and be prepared for last-minute changes.

Speaking to the BBC on Friday, Chris Fuoco, Devon and Cornwall director of Network Rail, said it was “the first time we’ve had our highest alert [since 2014].

“We are just taking every safety precaution we can to make sure everyone is safe. High tide tomorrow is a problem, as well, so we will inspect the line tomorrow before we can reopen it. Mother nature can do some dangerous things to the railway, so we have to stay on top of that.”