Devastating Floods Halt UK’s M62 Motorway: Major Delays as Drivers Face Hours of Chaos!

Motorists in northern England are experiencing major delays as part of the M62 motorway has been shut eastbound due to surface water flooding between junction 11 (Birchwood) and junction 12 (Eccles Interchange). The closure, implemented early Saturday morning after heavy and persistent rainfall, has seen two eastbound lanes taken out of service to protect road users from standing water and compromised road surface conditions. Traffic queues have formed as drivers are diverted or slowed in the affected stretch, adding to travel times on one of England’s busiest trans‑Pennine corridors.

National Highways Confirms Flood‑Related Lane Restriction

Road monitoring systems maintained by National Highways, the government body responsible for strategic roads in England, list the eastbound M62 between J11 and J12 as currently affected by flooding with lane closures in place. These updates are reflected across live traffic alert services that feed directly from official motorway traffic feeds, indicating ongoing disruption as floodwater remains on or near the carriageway and adjacent verges. The affected stretch, close to major industrial and commuter hubs, is a critical section of the route linking the Liverpool and Manchester regions with Yorkshire and beyond.

Climate and Weather Conditions Driving Flood Risk

Heavy and frequent rainfall over recent days has saturated the ground across broad swathes of England, upping the risk of both surface water and river flooding. Official flood warning services show over 80 active flood warnings and more than 250 flood alerts across England, signalling areas where flooding is expected or possible respectively. Persistent wet weather is creating strains on drainage systems and minor watercourses, increasing the likelihood of travel disruption and hazard.

Met Office Confirms Continued Rainfall and Weather Warnings

The UK Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings highlighting further rain across multiple regions through the weekend, which may increase localised flooding and travel impacts. Continued showers and longer spells of rain are forecast to move northwards from the southwest, contributing to elevated river and groundwater levels in some catchments. Meteorological analysis indicates that these unsettled weather patterns are likely to persist, keeping flood risk heightened in the short term.

Flood Warnings Linked to Saturated Ground and River Levels

Official flood warning data, published on government flood alert services, highlights that flooding is expected in locations from central England to southern counties. River levels for multiple watercourses are rising, and authorities warn that further heavy rain could exacerbate flooding around inhabited areas, low‑lying land and transport corridors. Surface water flooding can occur rapidly where the ground is already saturated, heightening risks to both roads and communities.

Impact on Commuters, Freight and Regional Traffic Flows

The closure of two lanes eastbound on the M62 is causing a ripple effect on journeys involving both commuter traffic and freight transport. With the carriageway partially restricted, traffic is reducing to fewer lanes, leading to slower traffic flow and delays extending several miles back from the closure point. Given the significance of the M62 for commercial logistics — connecting Liverpool, Manchester, and key northern industrial centres — disruptions can have economic as well as personal travel impacts.

Government and Highways England Advice on Travel Planning

Motorway authorities recommend that drivers check real‑time national traffic updates before commencing journeys, allow additional travel time, and consider alternative routes if possible. National Highways provides traffic alerts, CCTV links and travel time information via official channels, including its dedicated travel updates website and social media feeds, which are updated frequently. Staying informed with live traffic information can help motorists avoid being caught in flood‑related delays.

Potential Broader Transport Disruption Under Severe Weather

Alongside flooding on the M62, heavy rainfall and flood warnings may impact local roads, rail services and other transport networks as soils remain waterlogged and rivers approach critical levels. Surface water flooding often affects minor highways first, blocking smaller roads and increasing strain on diversion routes. Flood alerts are in force for rivers, groundwater areas and coastal waters, signalling that transport disruption could widen beyond the immediate motorway closure.

Public Safety and Flood Preparedness Considerations

The Environment Agency — responsible for flood forecasting and warnings — advises that when flood warnings are active, properties and infrastructure in at‑risk areas can be inundated and travel should be scrutinised. Residents and travellers in regions under warnings are encouraged to monitor official services for the latest information, understand the nature of alerts and be aware that conditions may deteriorate rapidly.

Outlook for Flooding and Travel in the Coming Days

With further rain expected across parts of England into the coming days, conditions favourable to flooding and transport disruption are likely to persist. The combination of saturated ground, raised river levels and intermittent heavy showers means the risk to roads — including major arteries like the M62 — is ongoing. Travellers are urged to plan routes with current travel information and heed road authorities’ guidance to reduce risk to safety and minimise further delays.

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