Bristol Temple Meads railway station was temporarily closed to arriving passengers on [date] due to flash flooding, causing widespread disruption across the West of England. Great Western Railway (GWR) cited 'crowding and safety concerns' as the reason for the closure, which has since been lifted. Network Rail also briefly shut a 'gate line' but reported the situation was 'looking calmer'.
Passengers were advised not to travel on GWR's South Wales and West services, while CrossCountry Trains confirmed all lines between Bristol and Taunton were blocked. Flooding in Chipping Sodbury led to the cancellation of London-Cardiff trains, and services between Swindon and Bristol Parkway were diverted. The Met Office issued an amber severe weather warning for the entire South West, with persistent rain and high winds expected to continue.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue rescued people from cars stuck in floodwater in Blatchbridge near Frome, Dunster, Shepton Mallet, and Somerton. In Bishopsworth, Bristol, Whitchurch Lane was shut, leaving many cars stranded. Bristol City Council reported that gullies blocked with leaves were being cleared, and technical officers were working with the Environment Agency to clear the road, confirming that the flooding was due to an overflowing stream and continuous rainfall.
In Somerset, an overflowing ford forced the closure of Chew Magna Primary School, and residential flood defences were deployed at properties with a history of flooding in Chew Terrace and The Batch. Dulverton Junior School, Dulverton All Saints Infant School, and North Newton Community Primary School also closed due to impassable roads. The central crossing stones of the Tarr Steps were washed away for the second time in four years, with Exmoor National Park expecting to recover the stones once river levels drop.
The Environment Agency issued flood warnings for several rivers, including the River Axe, River Isle, River Brue, and River Tone, with further rainfall of 25-30 mm expected in many areas and up to 60 mm locally. Wessex Bus and First Bus advised passengers to expect delays. Lee Gitsham, a local resident, described encountering up to 3 feet of water in Bishopsworth, with water reaching wing mirror level.
