Storm Barra: Travel disruption as storm hits South West

Great Western Railway (GWR) is advising customers not to travel unless "absolutely essential"

A broken-down train and Storm Barra have caused delays on rail lines in the south-west of England.

National Rail Enquiries said the combination in the Dawlish area had resulted in the line between Dawlish and Exeter St Davids being blocked.

A 50mph speed limit on rail lines in the areas worst affected by the storm has also been introduced.

Great Western Railway (GWR) was advising customers not to travel unless "absolutely essential".

The GWR train, which has since been moved, broke-down at Dawlish station.

GWR said customers should expect delays or cancellations throughout Tuesday.

Trains between Taunton and Penzance in Cornwall may be delayed due to the speed restrictions, it said.

CrossCountry services may also be delayed or amended, National Rail Enquiries said.

The last Lower Ferry crossing from Kingswear to Dartmouth before it temporarily went out of service due to strong wings

In Cornwall, sailings on the St Mawes Ferry have been cancelled due to sea conditions and severe gale force winds.

There are numerous flood alerts in place across Devon and Cornwall.

The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for the South West from 0900 GMT until 18:00 GMT on Wednesday.

It has also issued yellow weather warnings for most of the UK.

It said the conditions could cause power cuts and disruption on the roads.

The Higher Ferry and Lower Ferry between Kingswear and Dartmouth, in south Devon, suspended its services earlier due to the tides and strong winds.

In a social media post it said services had now resumed.

Gusts of 70mph (113km/h) have been recorded at Berry Head in south Devon.

The Minack Theatre said it was closed due to the weather

In Cornwall, the Minack Theatre announced it was closed due to high winds.

A social media post showed it being hit by large waves.

Plymouth Christmas Market has also said it is closed on Tuesday due to "extreme weather".

"We are sorry but to keep everyone safe we are unable to open. We are aiming to open again on Wednesday from 10:00 GMT," it said.