Drivers across Northern England faced travel chaos on Tuesday as severe flooding brought the M62 motorway to a grinding halt. Torrential downpours triggered flash floods, submerging sections of the critical transport artery and causing major disruptions during the morning rush hour.
The worst-affected area was between junctions 22 and 23, near Rishworth Moor, where multiple lanes were completely submerged under deep water. Highways England officials were forced to close several lanes, creating a nightmare for commuters and freight drivers alike.
Travel Chaos and Lengthy Delays
Motorists reported being stuck in stationary traffic for over two hours as emergency services worked to clear the flooded carriageway. Traffic cameras showed vehicles cautiously navigating through deep water, while some less fortunate drivers were seen stranded on the hard shoulder.
National Highways issued a stark warning to drivers: "Allow extra journey time if travelling in this area this morning. Conditions are extremely challenging."
Met Office Weather Warnings in Effect
The flooding occurred as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain covering large parts of Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Meteorologists had predicted persistent, heavy rainfall throughout the morning, with potential for 20-30mm of accumulation in some areas.
Forecers warned that the saturated ground from previous rainfall had increased the risk of rapid flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage.
Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts
Emergency services and highway maintenance teams were quickly deployed to the scene. Pumping operations were underway to clear the standing water, but progress was slow due to the continuous rainfall.
Travel experts advised drivers to consider alternative routes if possible and to exercise extreme caution when approaching any flooded areas. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly severe weather can disrupt critical infrastructure.
As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, such extreme weather events may become more frequent, challenging the resilience of the UK's transport network.
