UK weather: snow disruption continues with hundreds of drivers stranded

The military has been deployed to help clear the snow-covered roads in and around Greater Manchester after drivers were stranded for several hours overnight, police have said.

Greater Manchester Police urged motorists not to travel at all on Friday morning as winds of up to 80mph whip up huge snow drifts, especially in the worst-hit boroughs of Rochdale and Oldham.

A large stretch of the M62 – between Rochdale and Huddersfield, including the bit where it becomes the highest motorway in England – have been closed due to the treacherous conditions.

Drivers were reportedly stuck for 11 hours overnight between Junctions 21 at Milnrow and Junction 22 at Saddleworth, with some abandoning their cars and seeking refuge with nearby residents.

Heroic volunteers were seen trekking up the motorway with supplies, while highways officers reportedly resorted to cutting through a barrier on the M62 carriageway so drivers could be guided to safety.

Posted on Mar 02, 2018.