M6, M62, M56 and M1 drivers issued 'amber severe' travel alert as heavy snow set to cause chaos

Jon Macpherson

18 November 2024 at 8:16 am·2-min read

Motorists have been told to plan ahead before driving and to check for delays — -Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)

Drivers have been issued with an 'amber severe' travel alert with heavy snow set to cause travel chaos over the coming days.

National Highways has provided a full list of high-risk roads likely to be affected as up to 15cm of snow could hit the region's busiest routes. The Met Office has already issued a 15-hour yellow weather warning for snow and ice during Monday night and Tuesday morning with temperatures set to plummet to below average levels for the time of year.

Forecasters have deemed it the country's "first taste of winter" and within affected areas, there is a chance of power cuts, disruption to road and public transport and the risk of injury from slipping on ice. National Highways has now issued an Amber Severe Weather alert for snow in the North West and North east regions between 7pm today (November 18) and 10am on Tuesday.

Drivers are being asked to plan ahead and check for traffic and road closures on Sunday. The update said: "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), this is separate from the Met Office Amber alert which is triggered by different criteria and is not specific to the 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."

Full list of roads and motorways that could be affected by snow:

North West

A628 - Woodhead Pass, Windle Edge - 10-15 cm snow possible. Possible blown snow

A66 - Old Spittal, Stainmore - 10-15 cm snow possible

M62 - J21 to J23 - 10-15 cm snow possible. Possible blown snow

A69 - 5-10cm

M6 - J39 Shap - 10-15 cm snow possible at Shap. Elsewhere 2-5 cm possible south of Carlisle

M56 - Manchester - 2-5 cm snow possible

North East

A66 - Old Spittal - 10-15 cm snow possible

A628 - Woodhead Pass - 10-15 cm snow possible. Possible blown snow

M62 - J31 to J23 - 10-15 cm snow. Possible blown snow

M1 - Leeds, Sheffield - 1-3cm snow possible

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M6, M62, M56 and M1 drivers issued 'amber severe' travel alert as heavy snow set to cause chaos

North West

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