"circulate via XYZ" seems to be the favoured term these days, it has the merits of being vague and not promising anything in particular.
Alternatives that give specific advice or instructions need too much thought.

"Change at ABC for local buses" has the drawback that ABC might not be served by buses at the relevant time, or that tickets might not be accepted.
"Change at DEF for London underground" has the drawback that the underground might be closed or on strike.
"Change at west Worzleshire for cross country trains" looks a bit silly if west Worzleshire is not in fact served by cross country.

But a simple "circulate via" avoids any such doubts, and can include walking, or giving up and going back to where you started, or doing something else instead.

I suspect that some of the initial reported sightings were real, but that the situation then degenerated into hysteria, with most subsequent reports being mistaken.
I also consider it possible that a large drone, or even a manned glider or microlight was flown at a permitted distance from the airport, and was mistaken for a smaller craft much nearer.

If the initial drone flights WERE a deliberate attempt to cause disruption, then those responsible are probably very impressed with the results.

If the police DID^» (Didcot Parkway - next trains) confiscate the drone from the two former suspects, then this has presumably been returned as the former suspects are no longer suspects and have been released without charge.

Drones cost from under £100 up to many thousands of pounds, depending on size and sophistication.

This will be a recurring problem IMHO^▸ (in my humble opinion).
Even if the perpetrators had been caught, which AFAIK^▸ (as far as I know) they have not, the drone flying was a great success from the point of view of those organising it.
Whatever the motive was, I foresee copycat efforts.

I also perceive significant risks of false alarms and consequent closures because someone THINKS that they have seen a drone.

Yes, very poor.
SOME of the short formations are now reinstated as full length, still a significant number of half length trains though.
Welcome to the future !

Another example of road transport getting cheaper or better, whilst trains become more expensive, and in many cases less satisfactory.

Think of all that extra traffic and all the fuel burnt, and climate changing emissions therefrom.

As well reported in various media, Gatwick airport has been closed for over 24 hours due to illegal flying of drones near the runway.
The disruption is substantial and is likely to continue until Christmas, due to the backlog even if the airport reopens soon.
The armed forces have been called out to assist.

The motives of those behind this are unclear, the local police have stated that it is NOT terror related, but IS deliberate.

I suspect either anti-airport protesters or "deep green" protesters who are opposed to air travel.

No no, young sir, the rest of the country should have changed to Brunel gauge, greater stability at speed, improved passenger capacity and room for more freight.
3+3 seating in standard class, 2+2 in first, and 2+1 in Pullman.

I rather like the idea of "WESTERN CYNIC" But am not actually thinking of changing my username.

"broadgage" is sort of western related anyway, should have kept the old Brunel gauge 

I agree, see levels are rising but not that fast. Very roughly 1mm a year has been the average for the last century or so.
Many experts are however forecasting a faster increase in years to come as polar ice melts, and as ocean water becomes warmer and therefore expands.

I am not convinced that the weather conditions have been the same for years.
The sea level has increased, only marginally I know, but still an increase.
Wind speeds may also have increased.

Add this to an abundance of caution, and poorly designed rolling stock, and it is not surprising that weather related cancellations are increasing.

Agree, my list was not intended to be exhaustive, and the lack of working toilets is a serious issue and does not seem to be improving.

The performance under electric power is indeed welcome, but does not compensate for the regular short formations, the prohibition on buffets, the hard seats, and often the absence of reservations.

Make all the 9 car units into 10 car by adding a full sized hot buffet car.
Make some of the 5 car units into 10 car, as above.
Fit padded seats.
Get the reservation system to work.

And an old cynic like me might forgive the underfloor engines, especially if spreading of electrification means reduced use of those engines.

Suicides and animals are not comparable in my view.
If a person is determined to take their life, they can buy a ticket and walk of the platform end.
Animals by contrast can be kept out by suitable fencing, lack of suitable or properly maintained fencing is the responsibility of network rail, and therefore lack of same is the fault of the industry.

The only reasonable exceptions would seem to be if wild animals accessed the line via the public entrance and platform at a rural station, or via a level crossing.

In a perfect world, one SHOULD be able to catch the train that gets one to work on time.

But in the real world, I feel that taking an earlier train and thereby allowing a margin would be prudent, especially if punctuality is of special importance as in the case of opening a shop on time.

In some cases there might be no earlier suitable service, but in the situation referred to in the O/P it seems that an earlier service is available and that it runs with reasonable reliability.

If I was the employee I would take the earlier service.
If I was the employer I would accept the employee to do all they REASONABLY could to arrive on time, including taking an earlier train.

Planning on the earlier train also has the merit of giving a bit more time to advise ones employer by telephone if some c0ck up means there are no trains.

Drifting a little O/T I once had a very junior position in a large catering company that required an early morning start.
I was rapidly promoted to a senior position, Due I believe not to any particular skills or experience, but simply because I could RELIABLY  arrive on time. And thereby avoid the head office being troubled by the frequent complaints about late opening.
Other employees no doubt had excellent excuses for being late, including trains, buses, car breakdowns, traffic congestion, sick children, bad weather, and many others, but I arrived on time.