The M57 has been closed in both directions after heavy rainfall
View over the M57 near Kirbky
Travel on New Year’s Day is facing challenges due to disruptions on the M57, M6, A58, and A59 following heavy rainfall. Large areas of the country will experience strong winds until 3pm, while most of Merseyside is expected to receive heavy rain throughout the morning.
Tom Morgan from the Met Office said: “There’s likely to be further flooding throughout the day, and I expect additional issues this afternoon. We anticipate that the flood situation may worsen before it improves.” A yellow wind warning indicates a possibility of delays or cancellations for road, rail, air, and ferry services, as winds of up to 60 mph are forecasted across much of England.
Train operator TransPennine Express has advised customers not to travel before noon on Wednesday due to “significant issues” caused by flooding in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. The train line between Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington Central is closed, with disruptions expected until 11am, according to National Rail.
Further disruptions are anticipated for trains operating between Manchester Airport and the city’s stations until midday, as well as on routes between Manchester and Liverpool Lime Street. Trains traveling between Liverpool and Newcastle, as well as those from Hull to Sheffield, are also being affected by flooding.
Severe disruption is occurring on the roads as well.
M57
The M57 is closed in both directions. There is heavy traffic due to flooding from J6 ( Kirkby ) to J7 (Switch Island). Diversions- northbound should follow the square symbol along the A506 and A59, southbound drivers should follow the hollow triangle sign along the A5036, A59 and A506.
M6
M6 Northbound lane is closed on entry slip road due to flooding at J21A M62 J10 (Croft Interchange).
A58
Heavy traffic and road is impassable due to flooding on A58 Stanley Bank Way in both directions from West End Road to A599 Vicarage Road.
A59
A59 Holborn Hill in both directions closed, slow traffic due to flooding from A570 Southport Road to B5197 St Anne’s Road.
St Helens
The A58 Blackbrook Road, in St Helens, has flooded
Peasley Cross Road in both directions closed due to flooding from A58 Linkway East (Peasley Cross) to Sutton Road.
Fazakerley
Brookfield Drive in both directions closed due to flooding from Lower Lane to Muir Road.
Lower Lane in both directions closed due to flooding from Long Lane to Delagoa Road.
Met Office forecaster Mr Morgan said there is expected to be widespread frost overnight, followed by a “particularly cold” couple of days, with the potential for widespread snow and disruption into the weekend.
Temperatures are set to be between 3C and 5C below average by day over the next few days.