Motorway traffic chaos: M62 blocked as icy roads cause 'a number of collisions' - 'Please slow down!'

Road traffic officers have informed motorists that there are reduced lanes following the crash between J4 and J5, with drivers told to expect delays.

Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, Mersey Police's Rods Policing Unit issued an urgent warning to drivers.

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The post stated: "Good morning! We are already dealing with a number of collisions due to the weather and icy conditions.

"Please slow down and drive to the conditions. There is ice J4-5 M62, lanes will be reduced whilst we deal with an RTC."

North West Motorway Police said its patrols were advising of ice on the motorways with road traffic collisions being reported in the early hours of the morning.

One concerned motorist warned on social media that the M62 was "backed right up" towards Edge Lane, before telling motorists to "avoid" if they are heading that way.

Other images on social media show motorists being escorted onto a single carriageway as traffic officers deal with an incident on the M62.

As a result, traffic is backed up on the A5080, with long queues of traffic seen in Huyton in Knowsley.

National Highways has announced further warnings to motorists in Yorkshire and North East England with a severe weather alert causing delays.

There is a severe snow warning for the North East between 6am today until 6pm on Saturday, November 23, prompting the warning to motorists.

Road users are being urged to check ahead of plan for disruptions to their journeys. The agency warned that the snow would be "heavy in the morning and accumulate quickly at all levels", potentially causing significant travel disruption.

It added: "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 if travelling in the affected regions."

Some areas of Yorkshire could see as much as 40cm of snow in areas above 300 metres, with strong winds also causing havoc as speeds could reach 60mph.

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National Highways has warned of "blizzard like conditions" over high ground, potentially leadiing to poor visibility and drifting snow.

It concluded: "The snow is expected to progressively turn to rain through the afternoon, leading to a rapid thaw at low levels although it will take much longer over high ground."