With little more than two weeks left to go until Christmas, Greater Manchester is set for a busy day on its roads. Shoppers will be heading to the region’s cities, towns and retail parks as they hunt for the perfect gift, while friends and families will be meeting up ahead of the big day.
Drivers are being warned to take extra care in the region today (December 9) as two yellow weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office. All of Greater Manchester is covered by a warning for strong winds, which is in force until 11.45pm tonight.
High-sided vehicles in particular could face tricky driving conditions on the region’s motorways as a result. Meanwhile, heavy rain is forecast across the region for large parts of the day.
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In some areas, another weather warning has been issued for rain, in force until 3am tomorrow across northern and eastern parts of Greater Manchester. The Met Office says some spray and flooding on roads is likely today.
With heavy traffic expected, and potentially tricky conditions, delays and issues are expected on the region’s motorways and major roads. Here’s the latest on Greater Manchester’s key roads – including the M62, M60, M6, M61, M67, M56 and M66.
Follow the latest updates below.
10:41Stephen Topping
M61 and M60 queues
Drivers are facing delays on the M60 anticlockwise and M61 southbound this morning.
Google data shows heavy traffic approaching junction 10 on the M60, for the Trafford Centre.
Queues are tailing back to the M61, where Inrix says there are 10-minute delays at the Swinton interchange.
10:19Stephen Topping
Warning to drivers
Motorists are being urged to take care today.
09:58Stephen Topping
Second crash near Prestwich
Police are now dealing with a second collision in the same place on the M60 this morning.
09:56Stephen Topping
Latest on the roads
Good morning.
It’s expected to be a busy day on the region’s roads as Christmas looms, but the wet and windy conditions are far from ideal for driving.
There is currently a lane closed on the M60 anticlockwise, near junction 17 at Prestwich, following a collision. Traffic is tailing back towards junction 19 on the M62, at Heywood.
A lane is also currently closed on the M6 southbound following a crash near junction 27, at Standish.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
