M5 Storm Babet warning after multiple crashes prompt closures and tailbacks

The dramatic picture at the top of this article shows the aftermath of one of a series of collisions on the M5 in Gloucestershire on Wednesday night (October 18). The atrocious weather linked to Storm Babet caused multiple incidents that led police to lower the speed limit and put in speed restrictions. The bad weather[1] and incidents prompted a police warning about the dangers of standing water.

More rain is expected in Gloucestershire today (Thursday) and thunderstorms had been forecast. Luckily nobody was injured in the collision above[2] which blocked the northbound motorway between Michaelwood Services and junction 13 for Stroud. Traffic built up and caused delays following the crash at around 8pm.

Police said on X, formerly Twitter: "Luckily the driver of this vehicle suffered no injuries, however please be mindful of the weather conditions and standing water." Last night, National Highways said: "Drivers in Gloucestershire are advised that lane closures and speed restrictions have been put in place on a section of the M5. The lane three closures and speed restrictions are in place between junctions 13 (Stroudwater interchange) and 14 (Falfield interchange) due to the bad weather in the area and following multiple collisions.

"These lane closures are likely to remain in place overnight and into the morning. There are delays of around 30 minutes and congestion of three miles in the area." Want our best stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news stories drop?

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References

1. ^ weather (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
2. ^ injured in the collision above (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
3. ^ Warning of abnormal load heading to M5 via A40 (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
4. ^ Woman dies in A-road crash involving car and lorry (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
5. ^ iPhone (apps.apple.com)
6. ^ Android (play.google.com)