M5 flooding leaves motorists stranded and needing rescue after heavy downpour

27 September 2024 , 08:16

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M5 flooding leaves motorists stranded and needing rescue after heavy downpour

Heavy rain overnight has caused floods on the M5 as Avon Fire and Rescue warned the road is partly closed in both directions this morning

Drivers are abandoning their cars on the M5 amid "significant" floods on the motorway caused by heavy rain overnight.

Part of the motorway in Gloucestershire is currently closed in both directions owing to the amount of water on the road surface. Fire crews are at the scene to help rescue stranded drivers whose vehicle are stuck in the flooding.

National Highways and police are also at the scene. Avon Fire & Rescue said on X: "We’re currently working to rescue people stranded on the motorway. The M5 is closed in both directions between J16 and J14 due to flooding heavy rainfall.

"We advise motorists to avoid travelling in the area. Northbound is closed between J16 and J14 and southbound is closed between J14 and J15." 

National Highways said in a statement: "Avon and Somerset Fire & Rescue are working with the Environment Agency, police, our traffic officers and contractors at scene to clear the flooding as soon as possible. There are currently delays of up to 45 minutes on approach to the closure point in both directions."

James Smith