Traffic Alert: Storms cause long delays to motorway users

7pm Update

THE situation is still difficult with problems compounded by an accident on the southbound section of the M5 between junctions 2 (Oldbury) and 3 (Halesowen).

Delays are now down to 30 minutes but Highways England has said conditions won’t return to normal until after 8pm.

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HEAVY storms are causing major problems for drivers using the M5 in the Black Country.

One lane is currently closed and there is very slow traffic northbound between junctions 2 (Oldbury) and 1 (West Bromwich). Congestion is currently stretching back to Junction 3 at Halesowen.

Highways England is warning of delays of 40 minutes against usual journey times and the situation is not expected to return to normal until close to 7pm.

Drivers have been advised to avoid the area if possible.

West Midlands Fire Service said it was extremely busy, with crews attending 22 flood-related incidents across the West Midlands.

In Halesowen, crews were called to deal with a wall that had collapsed due to the force of the flood water.