Motorists faced severe disruption this morning as closures on the M60 and M42 led to gridlock amid freezing conditions. The M60 anti-clockwise at Stockport was shut due to snowfall overnight, while southbound traffic on the M42 was halted following a police-led incident.
The M42 in Warwickshire was closed northbound between junction nine for the M6 toll and junction ten for Tamworth after the incident. National Highways confirmed that traffic was also stopped southbound between junctions ten and nine, with more information expected.
Amber and yellow National Severe weather warnings have been issued for snow and ice over the coming days, making travel hazardous in parts of the country. The Met Office said cold Arctic air now covers most of the UK, with temperatures well below average, widespread frost and ice, and an increasing risk of snow showers.
Separately, drivers faced delays following a crash on the M56 eastbound this morning. Two lanes were closed near Princess Parkway at junction three, and queues tailed back to Manchester Airport at junction five at around 8am.
The M60 between junction one and junction 27 reopened around 8am, but drivers were warned of difficult driving conditions due to the wintry weather. National Highways said travel disruption was likely across much of the country as a result of the Met Office warning.
