Drivers have been warned to brace for disruptions and delays as Storm Bert brings in widespread disruption.
Multiple major routes have been forced to close due to severe weather conditions this morning, including snow, strong winds and flooding.
The severe weather system has forced the closure of several key transport routes including the M48 Severn Bridge and major routes across northern England.
Heavy snow has particularly affected routes across the Pennines, with the A66 and A628 Woodhead Pass both closed to traffic.
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The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions
TRAFFIC ENGLAND
The storm’s impact caused a serious incident on the A14 in Cambridgeshire, where a three-car collision has led to closures, and a fallen tree has blocked the A34’s southbound carriageway in Hampshire.
National Highways has urged drivers to check conditions before travelling and consider only travelling if necessary.
The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions between Junction 1 (Aust) and Junction 2 (Chepstow) due to strong winds. Drivers are being diverted to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as an alternative route.
The closure highlighted the bridge’s particular vulnerability to strong winds, as the Severn Estuary can funnel powerful gusts across the crossing.
Unlike its newer counterpart, the M48 Severn Bridge lacks the wind barriers that protect the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge during stormy conditions.
National Highways officials said they are monitoring wind speeds and will reopen the bridge once conditions are deemed safe, with closure protocols triggered when gusts exceed 40 knots (46mph).
If wind speeds reach 70 knots (80mph), both bridges would be closed, requiring traffic to follow diversions via the M5, M50, A40 and A449.
Meanwhile, the A628 Woodhead Pass has been closed in both directions between the A616 at Hollingworth and the A57 at Flouch due to heavy snowfall. Motorists are being advised to use the M60, M62 and M1 as alternative routes.
The A66 in County Durham and Cumbria is also shut between the A67 near Bowes and the A685 near Brough. The Met Office issued an amber weather alert with three to five hours of heavy snow expected across northeast England.
But more worryingly, strong winds of 30-40mph, reaching 45-50mph over high ground, are creating blizzard-like conditions with poor visibility and drifting snow.
The A14 in Cambridgeshire is closed in both directions following a serious collision involving three vehicles, with one car reported to have rolled.
The eastbound carriageway is shut between Junction 35 (Cambridge) and Junction 37 (Newmarket), while westbound traffic is halted between Junction 37 and Junction 36 (A11 Six Mile Bottom).
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Bridge will remain closed while wind conditions peak to 70mph
TRAFFIC ENGLAND
RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: “Persistent downpours will lead to areas of standing water, so it’s important to keep speeds down as the risk of losing control through aquaplaning on a thin layer of water is far greater.
“Routes In Scotland, especially rural ones, look likely to face disruption from fresh snow that is forecast on Friday and Saturday.
“We encourage motorists to stick to major roads where possible and take extra care in the worst-affected areas.
“Those who have to drive should stay tuned to weather forecasts and allow plenty of time to de-ice and de-mist your vehicle, as it’s dangerous and illegal to drive looking out of a small gap in a frozen windscreen.”
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