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The majority of the UK West Coast Main Line has reopened after taking a battering from storms, with several key rail networks still disrupted by adverse weather and flooding.

Crewe station has also reopened. Meanwhile, Network Rail engineers have repaired 12 dewirements, removed trees blocking lines and cleared debris.

Despite the clean-up effort, the line at Dawlish, linking Exeter with Newton Abbot and the west, will remain closed for at least six weeks following sea wall damage.

According to Network Rail, two of the three routes to Exeter remain open, with the route through Bridgwater through the Levels closed due to three-quarters of a mile being underwater.

"The main rail route into Devon and Cornwall via Bridgwater remains cut off by problems caused by flooding and storm damage."

During heavy seas, the 30-yard stretch of the London-to-Penzance line collapsed and washed away at Dawlish in Devon, reported the Telegraph. The British Army may be called in to help with repairs.

The A249 Sheppey Crossing in Kent was also closed due to strong winds.

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On Tuesday (11 February), Virgin Trains advised customers to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.

The train operator said on Twitter: "The main rail route into Devon and Cornwall via Bridgwater remains cut off by problems caused by flooding and storm damage."

According to the Environment Agency, flooding is set to continue into the weekend along the Thames and in Somerset.


Image: Aerial view showing the breached sea defences and collapsed train line at Dawlish. Photo: courtesy of Network Rail.