Leeds snow: Live traffic and travel updates as M1 crane fire and heavy snow closes key motorways

Heavy snowfall is causing traffic chaos in Leeds and across Yorkshire this morning. 

Flights have been delayed and cancelled at Leeds Bradford Airport, while drivers have been urged to avoid the M62 as road closures have caused delays of over three hours near Huddersfield. 

An amber warning from the Met Office for snow has been in place since yesterday (Thursday) afternoon and lasts until midday today.

The Met Office has warned that “significant disruption” is expected on the roads, trainlines and at Leeds Bradford Airport and that power cuts are expected. More than a hundred schools in Leeds have announced they are shut today.

We’ll bring you live traffic updates throughout the day.

Drivers have been urged to avoid the M62 with delays of more than three hours on the eastbound carriegeway near Huddersfield. One lane remains closed due to heavy snowfall, with delays building across the network.

There are delays of at least 90 minutes on the westbound carriageway between J24 and J22.

Highways England has urged drivers to make essential journeys only.

National Highways is advising drivers that one lane remains closed on the M62 in West Yorkshire while gritters and ploughs continue to treat the road.

Work has been taking place since 3.50am this morning on the M62 westbound between junctions 23 (Huddersfield W) and 22 (Denshaw). While lane 2 reopened at 5.12am, lane 3 is still closed, with four miles of congestion and 30-minute delays.

After yesterday’s severe weather alert National Highways staff spent the day spreading salt on key routes in preparation for the testing conditions. The alert continued into this morning.

National Highways is asking everyone travelling in the region to consider if their journey is essential and to go prepared.

Further information is available from National Highways by visiting www.trafficengland.com and the Twitter account @HighwaysNWEST. For urgent real-time assistance, our 24/7 contact centre team is able to provide up-to-the minute information on 0300 123 5000.

The delays on the M62 westbound between J24 Huddersfield and J22 Saddleworth have now eased.

However, there are still severe delays on the eastbound carriegeway.