Heavy snow closes M62 near Rochdale and Lancashire schools

Drivers were stuck on the M62 overnight as heavy snow and a jack-knifed lorry led to the motorway's partial closure.

The eastbound carriageway near Rochdale was blocked by snow between junctions 21 and 22, while the lorry shut the westbound route near junction 23.

The weather has also forced schools, which were open to children of key workers, to close in east Lancashire.

Some schools were also shut in the north of the county and in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Highways staff worked overnight to clear the snow on the M62 near Milnrow, Rochdale, allowing the road to reopen on Tuesday morning.

The closure came as an amber weather warning for snow was issued across parts of South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

Between 1 and 3ins (3-8cm) of snow was forecast across the area, with 4 to 6ins (10 to 15cm) possible on higher ground, with warnings of road closures and rail cancellations.

The weather alert was later downgraded to a yellow warning, with an additional yellow warning for rain also given for the region.

Rail operator Northern said several trees had fallen on to the line between Halifax and Rochdale, halting services, and "treacherous" conditions meant replacement buses could not run.

A spokesman said customers were urged not to travel between Halifax and Rochdale "until further notice".

Parts of Yorkshire have also seen heavy snow overnight and South Yorkshire Police has advised people not to travel unless absolutely essential.

Lancashire Police also warned that they were dealing with "numerous" crashes caused by snow.

Other cross-Pennine roads including the A57 Snake Pass and A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire have also been shut.

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [email protected]