Severe winter weather has caused significant disruption on a key stretch of the M5 motorway tonight, as Storm Goretti batters the UK with heavy snow and high winds.
Lane Closures and Major Delays
The northbound carriageway of the M5 between junctions 4 and 3, near Birmingham, was partially closed on the evening of Friday, January 8, 2026. National Highways confirmed that two out of three lanes were shut as of 8.50pm due to hazardous conditions, with reports of lorries sliding on the snow-covered surface.
Drivers faced extensive hold-ups, with delays estimated to be up to 60 minutes. Traffic officers, snow ploughs, and heavy recovery units were deployed to the scene to manage the situation and clear the route.
Nationwide Weather Warnings in Force
The motorway chaos coincides with a blanket of severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office for Storm Goretti. The storm is bringing a potent mix of heavy snow, strong winds, and rain across large parts of the country.
A rare red warning for wind was in place for the Isles of Scilly and much of Cornwall, indicating a danger to life. The West Midlands experienced heavy snowfall overnight and throughout Friday morning, with Wales and Northern England also severely affected.
Urgent Driver Advice Issued
Motoring organisations have urged extreme caution. RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson emphasised the seriousness of the amber snow warnings, stating they are a clear sign of likely widespread disruption.
"People may want to consider avoiding driving overnight from Thursday into Friday or bringing journeys forward to avoid being stuck in the worst weather," she advised on the Met Office website.
She strongly recommended that essential journeys should only be undertaken by drivers confident in slippery conditions, with vehicles properly prepared and carrying an emergency kit to stay warm and communicate if stranded.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the rapid travel disruption that can be caused by severe winter storms, with authorities continuing to monitor conditions closely.
