Storm Lilian LIVE traffic updates as falling trees block roads after major Metrolink disruption

A number of roads were left blocked by falling trees across Greater Manchester this morning with virtually all Metrolink lines suspended earlier amid strong winds brought by Storm Lilian. The storm is sweeping over the UK this morning, bringing windy and wet weather with strong gusts of up to 60mph forecast in our region. You can read the full hour-by-hour borough-by-borough weather forecast here[1]. Drivers have been urged to take extra care on the roads, amid a Met Office yellow wind warning until 11am.

Earlier, a stretch of the M6 motorway was shut due to a fallen tree. Pictures show trees fallen onto cars, houses and onto trams lines across all parts of our region this morning. Ashton New Road is fully closed due to a fallen tree with police on the scene.

The storm has also hit festivals taking place, with Bolton Food and Drink Festival forced to cancel events[3] today because of damage. Almost all Metrolink lines were suspended ‘due to the storm bringing down multiple trees across the network’. Passengers were hit by disruption for a number of hours before it reopened around midday.

National Highways said: “#StormLilian is coming. Strong winds could impact the region overnight into Friday morning. Slow down to minimise the impact of wind gusts.

Be aware of high sided vehicles on more exposed roads.”

Follow our live blog below for the latest travel updates from the roads across our region.

References

1. ^ You can read the full hour-by-hour borough-by-borough weather forecast here (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Storm Lilian hour-by-hour forecast for every borough in Greater Manchester (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ Bolton Food and Drink Festival forced to cancel events (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^