Flood water shuts M6 southbound near Preston

Highways England said the southbound carriageway has been shut between junctions 31 (Samlesbury) and 29 (Bamber Bridge) because of 'flooding across the carriageway'.

A diversion was set up, which entailed drivers coming off the motorway at junction 31 and heading along the A59 and A6 through Preston to the M65, where the M6 could be rejoined at junction 1.

The closure caused tailbacks of more than two miles and drivers were advised by Highways England to allow extra travelling time or delay their journeys.

One lane (of four) reopened shortly before 3pm.