M1 reopens between junction 22 and junction 23 after crash caused delays on icy motorway

Drivers heading out on the M1 were urged to allow for extra time on their journey, after a section of the southbound carriageway was closed following a crash on Saturday morning, January 10. All southbound lanes have since reopened between junction 23 for Loughborough[1] and junction 22 for Leicester[2]. National Highways[3] officials have said that the incident was caused by "icy road conditions". Traffic reporting site Inrix reported queuing traffic at the time, and service providers including a gritting lorry made their way to the scene, according to National Highways.

Drivers were advised to consider using alternative routes. Storm Goretti - the first named storm of the season - caused widespread snow and chilly temperatures[4] across Leicestershire on Friday, January 9. A yellow ice warning is to remain in place until midday Saturday, January 10.

The Met Office are continuing to urge people to take extra care amid the colder weather. With the yellow ice warning only to be in place for several more hours[5], the worst of the conditions appear to be over. Forecasts appear to show that temperatures will begin to get milder and snow flurries will cease after midday.

Temperatures are expected to be slightly rise on Sunday to 7C. The Met Office forecast suggests temperatures could climb to 10C on Monday (January 12). Despite a subtle rise in temperature over the weekend, people should still prepare for moderate to high winds.

According to the Met Office, the maximum gust tomorrow could reach 18mph, and potentially even higher, at 38mph, on Sunday, January 11.

We are covered this incident live below.

References

1. ^ for Loughborough (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
2. ^ for Leicester (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
3. ^ National Highways (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
4. ^ chilly temperatures (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
5. ^ yellow ice warning only to be in place for several more hours (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)