The train is unable to move in a forward direction, according to National Rail

Again from Realtime Trains, the Okehampton line is now back, the first arrival from Exeter being the 17:15, with the remaining three trains also scheduled to run.

Mark

If you wondered if the service was sh1t?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wrz7y5wvko

Checked the GWR web site and that does have the info - they're awaiting the all clear on a bridge that required inspection by divers, reopening 28th so it looks as though that hasn't happened. Perhaps this'll be the longest lasting closure consequential to storm Bert.

If you wondered if the service was sh1t?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wrz7y5wvko

This is almost rubbing salt into an open wound, but if you have a spare 3 hours in the day you might like to watch the video and marvel at how the Norwegian railways cope with bad weather.

It gets particularly spicy about 1hr 40min. Just try to picture an IEP running in the same conditions.

https://youtu.be/JvDjZRR9LAg?si=e7nt4ohYCEMI1Ta-

From GWR a couple of hours ago (dusk on 26th November)

We understand that in times of extreme weather and high river levels some trains have to be cancelled,  but it would be a real help to us if you could run almost all of the trains that are in your timetable please once this unusual weather event has passed. Thank you

From GWR a couple of hours ago (dusk on 26th November)

We promised to keep you updated as the impact of Storm Bert continues to be felt.
 
While most lines have now reopened, both the Barnstaple and Okehampton branch lines remain closed and are likely to remain so until at least Thursday 28 Nov. High water levels in the River Yeo to the north of Crediton means Network Rail divers aren’t yet able to ascertain the damage to a rail bridge over the river, so the lines remain closed.
 
We are operating a rail shuttle service from Exeter St Davids to Crediton, and a limited rail replacement service between Exeter and Barnstaple/Okehampton. These taxis/buses will run directly between Exeter and Barnstaple/Okehampton respectively and will not call at any intermediate stations, including Crediton. We also have ticket acceptance on certain local bus routes; more information can be found at www.gwr.com/check.
 
The line between Bristol Parkway and Swindon also remains closed due to flooding. As a result our South Wales-London service is reduced to an hourly frequency, and continues to run on a diversionary route adding around 45 minutes to journey times. Similarly we expect this to remain in place until Thursday 28 Nov at the earliest.
 
Tickets dated for travel today can be used tomorrow (Weds 27 Nov). There is also heavy rain forecast overnight this evening into tomorrow and with water levels already very high there is the chance for further disruption, so we’re advising customers to check before they travel at www.gwr.com/check, or through our social media accounts at www.x.com/gwrhelp and www.x.com/networkrailwest.
 
As ever if there’s anything we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

When a platform is being worked on or replaced, it should be raised by the maximum permitted height relative to the train, in order that the track can be later raised without altering the platform.

With "once in a century" floods now occurring every few years, and a reasonable expectation that this will get worse and not better, the railway needs to get better prepared. Or in more detail-

When a new bridge is required over a rail line, at LEAST one meter EXTRA clearance should be provided under the bridge in order that the track can be raised in future without altering the bridge.

When a platform is being worked on or replaced, it should be raised by the maximum permitted height relative to the train, in order that the track can be later raised without altering the platform.

New or refurbished station buildings should be designed to be flood resistant, hard floor and wall coverings that can be pressure washed rather than replaced after a flood. High level electrics. High level shelfs upon which can be placed IT equipment and other valuables when flooding threatens.

Substations for traction or domestic purposes to be located on plinths a meter above the worst previous flood.

Flooding is still blocking the line between Bedwyn and Taunton, meaning there are no long-distance services between Devon & Cornwall and London

We promised to keep you updated on the impact of Storm Bert on our services. Network Rail and GWR teams have been working throughout the day to clear and inspect the lines, opening them for service where possible.
 
We are now able to operate a limited service on most of our routes, including from South Wales, Bristol and the Cotswolds to London. Our South Wales services must operate via a diversionary route due to flooding between Bristol Parkway and Swindon, meaning journeys are taking longer.
 
Flooding is still blocking the line between Bedwyn and Taunton, meaning there are no long-distance services between Devon & Cornwall and London. Customers are advised not to travel on this route; we do have ticket acceptance on SWR from Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo for customers who do need to travel.
 
Local services in Devon & Cornwall are now operating with the exception of the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines which remain closed. Our Night Riviera sleeper service will not operate tonight or tomorrow (Tuesday 26 Nov).
 
We will maintain a reduced service on our long-distance routes tomorrow (Tuesday 26 Nov). Additional rain is forecast for tomorrow evening which could result further flooding of the railway at certain key locations. As a result customers are advised to complete journeys tomorrow by 1900.
 
Tickets dated for today (Mon 25) can be tomorrow and on Wednesday 27 Nov, or customers can claim a full fee-free refund. For the latest information and to check journeys, customers should visit www.gwr.com/check.
 
Thank you for your patience and support, and if there’s anything we do to help, please do get in touch.

... that trains on the Bristol-Southampton line are running a tolerably useful service. ( I was going to include the Melksham line (gasp) but at this moment the train's in the platform at Westbury, apparently waiting for a conductor).

London Paddington - Swansea

Train services between London Paddington and South Wales are subject to severe disruption due to flooding. The level of disruption combined with shortages of train crew and planned engineering works means that GWR are unable to guarantee that any journey on this route will remain feasible this evening and intending customers are strongly advised to amend their travel plans to travel today or Tuesday 26th November.

Trains are only running between London Paddington and Swindon, they are unable to divert via alternative routes as these are both closed by flooding. Great Western Railway are unable to offer alternative transport between Swindon and Bristol Parkway. You are advised not to attempt to travel along this route.

And yet GWR’s own website tells us “There’s a good service running across our network”.

It highlights some serious deficiencies within GWR control, be it experience, decision making and/or staffing levels.

And yet GWR’s own website tells us “There’s a good service running across our network”.

And yet GWR’s own website tells us “There’s a good service running across our network”.

Major rail disruption persists

published at 05:28

Flooding and high winds brought by Storm Bert have caused significant travel disruption across the country.
The most affected areas appear to be the routes linking London with the west of England and Wales.

Network Rail has advised people not to travel today on the following routes:
Penzance to London Paddington Newport
Bristol Parkway to London Paddington Bristol Temple Meads, Swindon, Reading to London Paddington
Worcester to London Paddington
Exeter St Davids to Okehampton and Exeter to Barnstaple

Several other rail lines are also closed or expecting serious disruption, including:
All lines between Plymouth and Gunnislake are closed, as well as those between Liskeard and Looe
Some lines in the Northampton area area blocked
The line between Great Malvern and Hereford is closed
Trains will not run between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness until Friday

This list is not exhaustive - check the National Rail website or with your train operator before travelling.

03:38 Swansea to London Paddington due 07:16
03:38 Swansea to London Paddington due 07:16 will be terminated at Bristol Parkway.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Didcot Parkway, Reading and London Paddington.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

04:50 Fratton to Bristol Temple Meads due 07:28
04:50 Fratton to Bristol Temple Meads due 07:28 was started from Eastleigh.
It will no longer call at Fratton, Cosham, Portchester and Fareham.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

05:27 Newbury to Reading due 06:03
05:27 Newbury to Reading due 06:03 will be started from Newbury Racecourse.
It will no longer call at Newbury.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

06:38 Weymouth to Gloucester due 10:02
06:38 Weymouth to Gloucester due 10:02 will be started from Yeovil Pen Mill.
It will no longer call at Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester West, Maiden Newton, Chetnole, Yetminster and Thornford.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

It's been hard to keep up with events, but, trying to summarise the state towards the end of Sunday:

Information gathered from Journeycheck / RTT / Opentraintimes / Tiger. Not always logically consistent.

Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton via Crediton
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple via Crediton
Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Swansea via Bristol Parkway
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Bristol Temple Meads
Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Penzance via Exeter St Davids
Cancellations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Gunnislake
Delays to services between Gloucester and Bristol Parkway

05:10 Oxford to Worcester Shrub Hill due 06:15

05:10 Oxford to Worcester Shrub Hill due 06:15 will be cancelled.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:07

05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:07 will be cancelled.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

05:23 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington due 06:57

05:23 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington due 06:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.