A significant portion of the M5 motorway in the UK has been closed due to severe flooding. This severe flooding left motorists stranded due to which a large-scale rescue operation was conducted, reported BBC.
The northbound carriageway is closed between Junction 16 (Aztec West) and Junction 14 (Thornbury), while the southbound lanes have re-opened but are still heavily congested.
National Highways reported that around 6,000 metres of water per minute is being pumped out of the motorway using high-volume pumps.
Firefighters were called to the scene on Friday and crews from Avon Fire and Rescue Service have already rescued three people trapped in vehicles, while others affected by the flooding have also been assisted.
Despite the reopening of the southbound carriageway, long queues persist, with 45-minute delays and approximately three miles of congestion in both directions. Motorists were advised to avoid the area as traffic diverts onto other roads, increasing pressure elsewhere.
Weather warnings and safety precautions
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the southwest of England, forecasting further heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Residents in Tewkesbury and nearby areas have been advised to stack sandbags around their homes, while South Gloucestershire Council has closed several local roads due to flooding.
The Environment Agency currently has 63 flood warnings and 120 flood alerts in place, including a red alert for the Tetbury Avon River in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Flooding is also expected along the River Frome in Somerset.
Residents and motorists are advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow any flood plans they have in place as the agency continues to monitor the situation. Weather conditions are expected to improve later in the day, though as per BBC Weather, more wet and windy weather could be potentially arriving by Sunday.