A major collision on the M1 motorway has sparked severe travel chaos during the Thursday evening rush hour, with drivers facing enormous delays.
Severe Delays on the M1
The incident, involving two cars, occurred on the M1 northbound in Northamptonshire. It has led to the closure of two lanes between junction 18 for Rugby and junction 19 for the A14.
As a direct result, congestion has built up dramatically, with traffic queues now stretching back for approximately seven and a half miles. National Highways and traffic monitoring services are strongly advising motorists to avoid the area completely or to leave significant extra time for their journeys if travel is essential.
Storm Claudia Wreaks Havoc
This traffic chaos unfolds as Storm Claudia batters the UK, bringing with it strong winds and difficult driving conditions. The severe weather has also led to the complete closure of the A15 Humber Bridge in both directions due to safety concerns over the high winds.
The combination of adverse weather and a major road traffic incident has created a perfect storm for commuters and freight drivers alike.
A Tragic Context
This crash comes just a day after a separate, devastating incident on the same motorway claimed two lives. In the early hours of Wednesday, emergency services were called to the M1 southbound near Barnsley after a grey BMW left the carriageway and hit a tree.
Tragically, a man and a woman died at the scene. This earlier event serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of motorway incidents, especially during periods of severe weather.
Authorities are continuing to manage the situation on the M1 northbound and are urging all road users to exercise extreme caution.
