GALE force winds have caused the closure of the M6 motorway in both directions between junction 19 at Knutsford and junction 21a at the Croft Interchange with the M62.

This is due to continuing gusts of gale-force cross winds along Thelwall Viaduct registering as high as 69mph at 3.40pm today with further gusts of up to 64mph since.

A diversion will be in place between junction 19 and junction 21a with northbound drivers leaving the M6 at junction 19 at Knutsford and rejoining the M6 at Croft Interchange via the northbound A556, M56 (eastbound), clockwise M60 and westbound M62. Southbound drivers will be directed to use the same diversion in reverse.

This will be a managed closure to allow drivers to escape the area before the closures are put in place. No drivers will be trapped in the area.

Drivers are urged to check travel conditions before setting out on journeys and consider whether they really need to travel with gale force winds forecast to continue beyond this evening's peak travel period and up to midnight this evening.

The Highways Agency provides live traffic information via its website www.highways.gov.uk/traffic, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile platforms, such as the iPhone.

Local Twitter services are also available at @HAtraffic_nwest and @HAtraffic_pen9 for transpennine routes.

Providing they can do so safely, road users can also call the Highways Agency Information Line (0300 123 5000) to keep up to date with road conditions.