Vital motorway bridge used by 80,000 Brits every day SHUTS in both directions due to strong winds & ‘severe’ flooding
A VITAL motorway bridge has been shut in both directions due to strong winds and severe flooding.
The M48 Severn Bridge, which connects England to Wales and is used by 80,000 Brits every day, has closed, forcing drivers onto a diversion route.
Currently, the motorway is shut between Junction 1 for Aust, south Gloucestershire, and Junction 2 for Chepstow, south Wales.
Motorists are being redirected onto the second Severn crossing, known as the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, although this has led to congestion building up.
An account for the two Severn crossings posted on X: "The M48 Severn Bridge in South Gloucestershire is CLOSED in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) due to strong winds.
"Traffic is being diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
Read More on Motors News
"Please plan ahead if travelling in the area this morning."
This follows "severe flooding" and torrential downpours on Tuesday evening and overnight across Wales.
The M4 and A470 were both hit with the heavy rainfall, while a weather warning, issued by the Met Office at 12pm on Tuesday, remains in place until midday today.
It stretches from Lands End in Cornwall, up through the south west of England and the entirety of Wales, to Liverpool in the north.
Most read in Motors
Meteorologists at the weather agency warned those affected that "flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible".
Spray and flooding on roads may also increase journey times, as well as delays to bus and train timetables.
There could also be a chance of "interruption to power supplies and other services".
It comes ahead of an estimated 6.2 million drivers hitting the road this weekend for Easter journeys.
