Traffic chaos as drivers trapped on the M3 in Hampshire for over four hours while police attend 'serious incident' after warning of aquaplaning crashes in terrible weather
Drivers have been trapped on the M3 for over four hours as police attend a 'serious incident' which forced parts of the major road to close.
The northbound carriageway between Junction J12 and Junction 11 in Hampshire was shut to traffic this evening as police warn it 'will remain closed for some time'.
Earlier today, police said they were 'inundated with aquaplaning collisions' and urged drivers to 'please slow down and drive to the conditions'.
Today's weather brought heavy showers across much of the UK with several roads left underwater.
One motorist said he has been sat in traffic on the road for four hours as he shared a photo of gridlocked vehicles surrounding him.
Drivers have been trapped on the M3 for over four hours as police attend a 'serious incident' which forced parts of the major road to close
Earlier today, police said they were 'inundated with aquaplaning collisions' and urged drivers to 'please slow down and drive to the conditions'
Hampshire Police wrote on Twitter: 'We are currently dealing with an incident on the M3.
'As a result we have had to close the motorway northbound at Junction 12 and it will remain closed for some time.
'Our officers are working hard to try and relieve the traffic stuck on the motorway. Please use alternative routes.'
Highways England confirmed that the M3 remains shut 'due to a police incident'.
It wrote on Twitter: Traffic trapped within the closure continues to be cleared under police guidance.
The northbound carriageway between Junction J12 and Junction 11 in Hampshire was shut to traffic this evening as police (tweet pictured) warn it 'will remain closed for some time'
Highways England confirmed that the M3 remains shut 'due to a police incident'
'This closure is likely to remain in place for some time. Thank you again for your patience.'
This afternoon, Hampshire Roads Policing Twitter account wrote: 'Once again all three Hampshire Roads Policing bases are being inundated with aquaplaning collisions.
'Please slow down and drive to the conditions. Excess speed for the conditions & poor vehicle maintenance a common theme.'
Earlier today, one of southern England's major motorways - the M27 near Southampton - was closed due to the deluge and had to be sealed off by police near the M271 junction.
A van drive through flood water on a dual carriageway in Cadnam near Southampton on the edge of the New Forest, Hampshire, today
Cars drive through flood water on a dual carriageway in Cadnam near Southampton on the edge of the New Forest, Hampshire, today
A car having left the carriageway on the M27 motorway today is pictured in the south of England. The Audi was facing the wrong way after the incident and ambulances descended on the scene
Drivers were warned of heavy delays with traffic building back to Rownhams Services as traffic officers descended on the scene.
Empty pavements on the high street were a far cry from last weekend when people flocked outdoors to enjoy the mild winter weather.
Last week Londoners flocked to Broadway Market for drinks and food, despite the new coronavirus lockdown guidance saying to stay at home as much as possible.
But this Saturday streets and food stalls remained mostly empty as Britons sheltered from the sweeping November rain.