Traffic is building for at least three miles as drivers try to funnel into just one lane. Queues are also building southbound along the same stretch between junctions 16 and 15 as travellers slow to look at the crash. Highways England warned of severe delays.

In a tweet it said: “As a result of the collision closing two lanes (of three) on the M40 Junction 15 – Junction 16, there are long delays.

“Approximately 30 minutes are currently added to normal journey times.

“Approximately 3.5 miles of congestion. Warwickshire Police are in attendance.”

The crash happened at about 9am this morning near Longbridge, south of Birmingham.

Video from the scene showed a number of fire engines and ambulance services, with a silver car turned on its side.

Motorway cameras show heavy rain and spray in the area.

Operational Patrol Unit for Warwickshire Police wrote on Facebook: “Only one lane running so traffic is building up, the road conditions are poor with lots of standing water, please drive to conditions.”

Heavy thunderstorms are raging across the UK today, with a large weather pattern moving through the Midlands and East of England overnight. 

Rain is predicted to continue across the Midlands today, with the Met Office also issuing a yellow weather warning for rain through Tuesday morning for the East Midlands, North West of England and North Wales.

Nearly two inches of rain is predicted to fall within three to four hours in some places, while up to one inch was predicted to fall in one hour.

The Met Office issued advice for driving in the heavy rain.

It said: “Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’.

“Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.

“Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.”

Source: Read Full Article