Holidaymakers making their way to the South West today (Thursday, March 28) ahead of the Easter holidays are facing horrific weather and crashes on roads in the region. After snow hit the region last night, motorists are warned of possible diversions and lengthy delays this weekend with the added traffic.

Long delays are building on the M5 in Bristol after a crash was reported this afternoon (March 28). Two northbound lanes are closed between Cribbs Causeway and Aztec West, according to traffic monitor Inrix. According to National Highways, drivers already face delays of around 40 minutes on the motorway, with congestion growing between junction 18 and 16.

It comes amid waves of bad weather attacking the region, with thunder, hail and heavy rain battering Bristol and the wider the region. It is no secret the region is hugely popular with tourists and as the Easter weekend coincides with the beginning of the school holidays, it is thought the roads and motorways will be heavily congested.

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More than 14 million people are thought to be looking at getting away for Easter weekend, prompting the RAC to warn that journeys may take up to twice as long.

The M5 southbound between Bristol and Taunton has been highlighted as a particularly busy route and the RAC has advised anyone who can travel today or early on Good Friday (March 29) should do so to avoid peak times.

This is a live blog. Please scroll down for the latest updates.

Key Events

Shannon Brown

Queuing traffic on M4 after crash

One lane is closed on the M4 westbound entry slip road. One eyewitness has said there are 'long delays' in the area.

Inrix reports: "M4 Westbound lane closed on entry slip road, queueing traffic due to accident at J19 M32 (Bristol)."

KEY EVENT

Queuing traffic on M5 in Bristol

Traffic is queuing on the M5 in Bristol, at the M49, according to traffic monitor Inrix. Today is expected to be one of the busiest travel days over the Easter weekend, with around 2.6 million journeys expected to be made today.

The RAC and transport analysis company Inrix commissioned a survey which suggested 2.6 million leisure journeys by car will be made on Good Friday. The lengthiest delays are expected to be between 11am and 3pm, meaning drivers are advised to set off as early as possible or wait until later in the afternoon. Two popular routes for holidaymakers – the M5 southbound between Bristol and Taunton, and the M3 between the M25 and the south coast – are likely to be congested.

Shannon Brown

Car crashes on (closed) M48 bridge

Shannon Brown

M4 delays remain

Severe delays due to the closure of the M48 Severn Bridge on M4 in both directions from J22 (M49 interchange) to J23 (M48 interchange). Congestion to Just before J21 (The M49). Major congestion along the M49 Northbound to where it meets the M5. In the roadworks area.

Shannon Brown

Heavy flooding on train tracks

National Rail said: "Heavy rain flooding the railway between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction means all lines are blocked. As a result, trains may be delayed or revised. This is expected until the end of the day.

Customer Advice:

We have been informed of heavy rain flooding the railway between Salisbury and Tisbury. This means that all lines are blocked between these stations.

"For further information or onward travel advice please speak to a member of staff or use a station help point."

Shannon Brown

Severe delays remain on the M4

Severe delays due to the closure of the M48 Severn Bridge on M4 in both directions from J22 (M49 interchange) to J23 (M48 interchange). Congestion to Just before J21 (The M49). Major congestion along the M49 Northbound to where it meets the M5. In the roadworks area.

Shannon Brown

M4 Prince of Wales bridge delays

Shannon Brown

M5 crash clears

Traffic easing, earlier accident on M5 Northbound from J17 A4018 (Cribbs Causeway) to J16 A38 Gloucester Road (Aztec West). Traffic in patches.

Oliver Astley

Police advice on what to do during a motorway closure

Avon and Somerset Police are warning that traffic is likely to increase over the bank holiday weekend. Officers are advising drivers to take extra precautions before setting off.

Shannon Brown

Long delays remain on M5

KEY EVENT

'Severe' M4 delays

Severe delays due to the closure of the M48 Severn Bridge on M4 in both directions from J22 (M49 interchange) to J23 (M48 interchange). Congestion to Just before J19 (M32 interchange). Major congestion along the M49 Northbound and the M5 North is also queueing back to before J19 (Portishead) as traffic heads into Wales. In the roadworks area.

Shannon Brown

All lanes reopen on M5

Long delays due to earlier accident on M5 Northbound from J17 A4018 (Cribbs Causeway) to J16 A38 Gloucester Road (Aztec West). Congestion to J19 (Portishead). All lanes have been re-opened.

KEY EVENT

Five miles of congestion on M5

Shannon Brown

Emergency services at scene of crash

Avon and Somerset Police said: "Recovery work is being carried out at the scene of a collision on the M5 northbound between J17-16 this afternoon. @HighwaysSWEST are making motorists aware of delays in the area as a result."

Shannon Brown

Severn Bridge closed to all traffic

Shannon Brown

M5 multi-vehicle crash

Long delays and two lanes closed due to recovery work and multi-vehicle accident on M5 Northbound from J17 A4018 (Cribbs Causeway) to J16 A38 Gloucester Road (Aztec West). Congestion to J18 Spur Road (St Brendans Roundabout). Lanes one and two (of three) are closed with a lorry, van and a car involved.

KEY EVENT

Flood warning for Bristol Avon (upper)

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the upper Bristol Avon area. It says river levels are rising on the Great Somerford river gauge on the River Avon after very heavy showers.

It adds: "Further heavy rain is expected today and over the weekend, up to 20mm across the upper Bristol Avon catchment. Consequently, flooding of property is possible on Thursday the 28 March 2024 November through to late Friday the 29th March 2024. We expect flooding to occur at the Reybridge, Seagry, and the Kellaways area."

Shannon Brown

M5 recovery work in progress

Long delays and two lanes closed due to recovery work and accident, a lorry involved on M5 Northbound from J17 A4018 (Cribbs Causeway) to J16 A38 Gloucester Road (Aztec West). Congestion to J18A (M49 interchange). Lanes one and two (of three) are closed.

Shannon Brown

Two lanes closed on M5

Long delays and two lanes closed due to accident, a lorry involved on M5 Northbound from J17 A4018 (Cribbs Causeway) to J16 A38 Gloucester Road (Aztec West). Congestion to J18A (M49 interchange). Lanes one and two (of three) are closed.

Molly Seaman

Slow traffic near Taunton

A358 TONEWAY - TAUNTON - WESTBOUND - SOMERSET

Reports of slow traffic due to accident on A358 Toneway Westbound near The Travelodge.

Molly Seaman

Slow traffic

A358 - ASHILL - BOTH DIRECTIONS - SOMERSET

Slow traffic due to earlier accident on A358 in both directions from Ilton turn off (Ashill) to Broadway Street (Illminster). All lanes have been re-opened.

Molly Seaman

Tips for driving in high winds

Molly Seaman

Roads flooded

A30 WEST COKER ROAD - WEST COKER - BOTH DIRECTIONS - SOMERSET

A30 West Coker Road in both directions closed due to flooding from Gooseacre Lane (West Coker) to Watercombe Lane (Bunford Hollow Roundabout, Yeovil).