DRIVERS have been urged to avoid four major motorways today as they were slapped with “severe” amber weather warnings.
Officials have warned of a “significant risk” to motorists and that journeys are likely to be “extended or even disrupted”.
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Brits are braced for up to eight inches of snow today, with temperatures dropping as low as -11C.
The Met Office has issued a trio of yellow weather warnings for snow and ice covering much of the East Coast, the Midlands and Northern Ireland.
A fourth warning is in place in Northern Scotland, stretching from yesterday afternoon and into tomorrow morning.
Now, National Highways has produced its own warnings for drivers as the deep freeze leads to treacherous conditions on Britain’s roads.
The agency has activated an Amber Severe Weather alert for parts of the road network in the North, including four busy motorways.
Motorists are being advised to plan ahead and avoid the affected roads where possible.
Brits should also check for sudden road closures before setting out.
The warning read: “This National Highways Severe Weather Alert for Snow (Amber status) is being issued in response to National Highways defined thresholds being met and denotes that there is a significant risk to vehicles using the Strategic Road Network (SRN).
“National Highways, in conjunction with the Met Office are strongly advising that travel in these areas is likely to be extended or even disrupted.
“Road users should heed messages on the overhead signs and listen for radio updates.
“Road users are advised to take extra care and avoid, if at all possible, these areas during the Severe Weather Alert.”
The affected motorways are:
- M6 – particularly around J39 at Shap
- M56 – in the area around Manchester, including the airport
- M62 – from J23 to J31
- M1 – around Leeds and Sheffield
Other impacted roads include a selection of busy A-roads such as the Woodhead Pass on the A628 from Manchester to Sheffield, which is now closed due to heavy snowfall.
