New yellow warning for heavy rain as Newquay rail line to remain closed

Thursday, 29 January 2026 12:05

The railway line between Newquay and Par is set to remain closed until Monday 2 February at the earliest, following flooding caused by heavy rain.

The Newquay to Par branch line was shut last Saturday after flooding near Roche. Train operator Great Western Railway said it is working with Network Rail to restore services.

In a statement, GWR said:
"We are working with Network Rail to be able to return to running our normal timetable as soon as possible, however this will now not be until Monday 2nd February at the earliest. Road transport will operate in lieu of the train service all day. However, coaches will start and finish at St. Austell rather than Par, so please alight at St. Austell if looking to connect."

A new yellow weather alert issued by the Met Office is in place from 9am on Friday until 6am on Saturday.

Kernow Weather Team says outbreaks of rain are expected to arrive across Cornwall early on Friday morning, becoming heavy at times before slowly moving north-eastwards during the afternoon. It says that once the main band of rain clears, conditions will turn showery through Friday evening and overnight into Saturday morning.

Rainfall forecasts suggest between 10 and 20 millimetres of rain for many areas, with up to 30 millimetres possible over higher ground. Forecasters warn the rain will fall onto already saturated ground, with rivers, streams, ditches, fields and gardens already full.

There is a risk of travel disruption, particularly during the Friday school run and commuter periods, with drains and culverts potentially struggling to cope. Strong winds are also expected in some areas, meaning heavier showers could lead to problems developing quickly.

More rain on already sodden ground means flooding is considered a genuine possibility, especially later on Friday and overnight.

People are being urged not to drive through floodwater. It follows flooding earlier this week on several routes around Newquay, including the A3058 between Dairyland and Gummow' Shop.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said:
"Just 30cm of moving water is enough to move a vehicle, and even shallow, still water can hide hazards such as debris, missing manhole covers, or road damage. Floodwater can also rise unexpectedly and with little warning."

Follow Kernow Weather Team for the latest updates.

More from Newsplus

Warning of 15-foot waves and sudden surges along coast

The RNLI is warning of large swell conditions around the coast on Friday, with waves of up to 15 feet forecast.
Work to install surf heritage statue begins

Work has begun on installing a new statue celebrating Newquay’s surfing heritage.
Beachgoers warned to avoid unstable sand dunes at Crantock

Beachgoers are being warned to stay clear of unstable sand dunes at Crantock following recent storms.
Newquay's bid to become the UK Town of Culture in 2028

Newquay Town Council and Newquay BID are jointly working to submit a bid in the competition, which is open to small, medium and large towns across the UK and will award funding to deliver a cultural programme during 2028.
Sand art reveals final big name for Boardmasters

Boardmasters has announced Lily Allen as its final headliner for this summer’s event.
Newquay Carnival boosted by £500 community grant

Audio

The Newquay Lottery Community Grant Scheme has awarded a £500 grant to Newquay Carnival.
Newquay MP calls on government to "future-proof" the rail network after storm disruption

Newquay MP Noah Law has joined Labour colleagues from across the South West in writing to the Minister for Rail following storm-related disruption to train services in the region.
“Significant vandalism” forces closure of council toilets

Newquay Town Council says a set of public toilets has been forced to close temporarily following two days of what it has described as significant vandalism.
Storm Chandra named as further disruptive weather heads for Cornwall

It follows a weekend of disruption caused by Storm Ingrid, which led to flooding in Mawgan Porth, forcing some businesses to close temporarily and leaving cars submerged. Flooding also resulted in the closure of the Newquay to Par branch line.
Clean-up under way in Mawgan Porth after Storm Ingrid flooding

A clean-up operation is under way in Mawgan Porth after the river burst its banks during Storm Ingrid, causing flooding in the village.
Joe Way Paddle for Life to return to Newquay this summer

A popular community fundraising event will return to Newquay this summer, having raised more than £185,000 for charity over the past 18 years.
Yellow weather warning issued as Storm Ingrid approaches Cornwall

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as Cornwall prepares for Storm Ingrid, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Police appeal to trace wanted man from Newquay

Police are appealing for the public’s help to locate a 43-year-old man from Newquay who is wanted in connection with a serious assault.
Overturned car closes Newquay road

A busy Newquay road was closed following a collision between a car and an unoccupied parked vehicle.
Attraction partners with Cornwall Air Ambulance to support fundraising

Popular attraction Lappa Valley has announced a new partnership with Cornwall Air Ambulance, aimed at raising awareness of the charity’s work and supporting fundraising efforts.
ANPR cameras removed as Towan Headland car park returns to council control

Automatic number plate recognition cameras have been removed as a Newquay car park is brought back under the direct control of Cornwall Council.
Urgent search for Newquay breast screening site as service faces uncertainty

The hunt is on to find a new home for breast screening in Newquay, with patients potentially needing to travel to Truro if a site isn’t secured.
St Francis Dogs Home unveils major new upgrade

St Francis Dogs Home threw open its doors on Saturday, welcoming the public to its newly redeveloped rescue centre in Newquay.
Plans submitted for Hotel Victoria in Newquay

A full planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the Hotel Victoria in Newquay.
Police appeal for witnesses after serious A30 crash

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a serious road traffic collision on the A30 near Zelah.