Road closures and collisions as icy weather takes hold

Drivers across the north west are facing tricky conditions after a yellow weather warning for snow and ice came into effect overnight on Thursday, leading to road closures and a number of collisions.

Incidents are reported to have taken place on the M56 eastbound, near Princess Parkway, the M60 and M602.

Two lanes on the M56 eastbound near Junction 3 were closed, following reports of a collision, with congestion back to Manchester Airport.

Further travel disruption is anticipated, with the A537 Cat and Fiddle Road currently closed between Bull Hill Lane, in Macclesfield, and A54, in Buxton due to snow. The Met Office has warned those travelling to allow extra time.

The M60 anti-clockwise was also closed between Junction 1 and junction 27 earlier, with National Highways North West citing adverse driving conditions following snowfall overnight.

The Met Office yellow warning came into force for large parts of England, Northern Ireland and Wales at midnight and will remain in place until midday on Friday, with Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Greater Manchester, Halton and Warrington among those areas likely to be affected.

A spokesperson warned "blizzard conditions" are likely in the north of Scotland, which could see up to 40cm of snow.

They warned that snowy, wintry weather could cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous.

"Some ice may form as a result of precipitation falling on to frozen surfaces and icy patches will also develop quickly as sleet and snow clears," the Met Office said.

"We expect this cold spell to persist into the weekend and on into next week, with further warnings possible as temperatures remain well below average and snow showers continue."

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